Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Primary Care Physicians Regarding Infection Control of Tuberculosis in Primary Health Care Centers, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Alhazzani Y, Alahmari AN, AlRabiah BK, Alsadhan KF, Sahhari AY, Alrabieah F
Infectious disease reports · 2025-10
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a public health concern in Saudi Arabia, where primary care physicians play a crucial role in early detection and infection control. This study assessed physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding TB infection control in Riyadh. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 205 physicians in primary healthcare centers using a validated electronic questionnaire. Knowledge scores were classified as good (≥8/14 correct) or poor ( Results: The mean knowledge score was 8.5 (SD = 2.1); 57.1% of physicians demonstrated good knowledge. Knowledge was significantly associated with specialization ( p = 0.049), position ( p = 0.031), and monthly patient load ( p = 0.031). While 92.7% correctly identified airborne transmission, only 30.7% knew when a TB patient becomes noninfectious. Most participants (80%) had not received TB-related training in the past year. Conclusions: Primary care physicians in Riyadh show moderate knowledge and positive attitudes, but important gaps remain in diagnostic clarity and infection control timelines. Strengthening continuous medical education and integrating TB-specific modules into the Saudi national TB control program are essential to standardize practices and improve patient outcomes.