Asbestos Risk Awareness Among General Practitioners
Author Information
Author(s): Bertolotti Marinella, Tamburro Manuela, Salzo Angelo, Cassinari Antonella, Crivellari Stefania, Bertolina Carlotta, Farotto Marianna, Adesso Carmen, Di Palma Michela Anna, Natale Anna, Torregiani Federico, Pacileo Guglielmo, Maconi Antonio, Ripabelli Giancarlo
Primary Institution: Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria “S.S. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo”, Alessandria, Italy
Hypothesis
What is the level of knowledge and awareness of asbestos risks among general practitioners in an area with high asbestos-related diseases?
Conclusion
General practitioners in Alessandria have a high awareness of asbestos risks, but significant knowledge gaps exist, particularly regarding exposure routes and disease reporting.
Supporting Evidence
- 94% of GPs are aware of the health hazards of asbestos.
- 92.6% understand the increased risk of mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.
- Significant disparities in knowledge were observed among different districts.
- 42.6% of GPs in Casale Monferrato achieved an optimal level of knowledge.
Takeaway
Doctors in Alessandria know that asbestos is dangerous, but they don't all know how to report cases or recognize all the ways people can be exposed to it.
Methodology
A questionnaire with 29 questions was administered to 216 general practitioners during meetings from September 2022 to January 2023.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported knowledge and awareness levels.
Limitations
The study may not be generalizable to other regions without similar asbestos exposure histories.
Participant Demographics
56.5% male, median age 60 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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