title: Dengue knowledge, attitudes, and practices among primary care physicians in Singapore.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dengue fever remains a significant public health concern in Singapore. Appropriate, timely diagnosis and risk stratification for severe disease are crucial in the optimal management of this illness. In the outpatient setting, the primary care physician plays a key role in dengue diagnosis, management, and triage. We present a descriptive analysis of the variations in dengue knowledge, attitudes, and practices among primary care physicians (PCPs) in Singapore.
  
  
  METHODS
  A survey of 25 multiple-choice questions was mailed to 2000 PCPs in Singapore. Responses were analysed by physician age group (21-40, 41-60, and >61) and practice setting (government subsidised polyclinic or private practice).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the 3 questions assessing dengue knowledge, 89.9% chose 2 or 3 of the preferred responses. Half of the respondents utilised dengue diagnostic tests at least 50% of the time, and 75% used serology when doing so. Older respondents and those from private practices used diagnostic tests more often than their counterparts, and both groups favoured non-serology tests. About 85% of surveyed PCPs monitored confirmed or suspected cases daily, and one-third referred patients to a hospital always or often.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While no major gaps in knowledge about dengue were identified in PCPs in Singapore, there were significant variations in clinical practice by physician age group and practice setting. The results of this survey provide a useful opportunity to identify strengths and areas in need of improved awareness in primary care management of dengue.
authors.affiliation: Communicable Disease Centre, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Linda K
authors.initials: LK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Tun Linn
authors.initials: TL
authors.lastname: Thein
authors.forename: Changa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kurukularatne
authors.forename: Victor Ch
authors.initials: VCh
authors.lastname: Gan
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Lye
authors.forename: Yee Sin
authors.initials: YS
authors.lastname: Leo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003715:Dengue; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D058007:Physicians, Primary Care; D011634:Public Health; D012846:Singapore; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires