Abstract |
Objective: To examine the stated practices of
general practitioners (GPs) in managing childhood gastroenteritis
and their perceptions about barriers to its optimal management.
Design: Cross sectional postal survey.
Setting: General practice in 1994.
Participants: All 422 urban and rural GPs practising
in the Hunter Region were invited to participate. 289 (68%)
responded.
Results: 97% of GPs recommended clear fluids in the
management of childhood gastroenteritis, with 195 recommending
oral electrolyte solution (OES). 170 GPs (59%) were assessed by an
expert as managing gastroenteritis well, while an additional 33
(11%) managed gastroenteritis acceptably. 38 GPs (13%) suggested
management that an expert considered inadvisable and/or
potentially dangerous; and 48 (17%) provided answers that were too
vague to classify. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated
that better management strategies were associated with being
younger and practising in rural areas. The main barriers to effective
care in gastroenteritis, as perceived by the GPs, were inadequate
parenting skills ( n= 131, 45%), lack of parental
understanding about gastroenteritis ( n= 118, 41%), other
social problems ( n= 67, 23%), parental anxiety ( n=
57, 20%) and conflicting advice given by others ( n= 42, 15%).
Only 33 (11%) identified the taste of OES as a major barrier and 16 (6%)
its cost.
Conclusions: Most GPs made appropriate use of dilute
clear fluids and avoided prescription medication when treating
childhood gastroenteritis in the community. Perceived barriers to
the effective management of gastroenteritis tended to reflect
parental factors.
©MJA 1997
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© MJA 1997
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