Nationwide Study on Practices Related to Screening Among Greek Paediatricians

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate pediatricians' practices toward screening in Greece.

Materials and methods: The survey was conducted within a six month period in a stratified random sample of 371 pediatricians. A questionnaire with three sections was created and pilot tested. Socio-demographic characteristics associated with inappropriate screening were identified using multivariable logistic regression models and latent class analysis.

Results: A total of 294 participants completed the telephone survey (response rate 78.6%). The median number of wrong answers to questions related to pediatricians' practice towards screening recommendations was 7±1.57 with minimum 2 and maximum 11 wrong answers. Pediatricians, with less than 15 years of experience, age >50 years old or view more than eighty patients per week, have had significantly higher odds of responding wrong to more than seven questions, hence be less compliant to USPSTF screening guidelines. Latent class analysis has shown that female gender, age <50 years old, and work in the private sector, were associated with a poor practice towards international screening guidelines.

Conclusion: Our survey found gaps in screening practices among a nationwide sample of Greek pediatricians. Moreover considerable variability in reported practices of screening was noted. There is a need for the development of a national childhood screening program in Greece.

Keywords: Greece; pediatricians; screening.