Measurement of the Knowledge of Pediatric Residents about the Urinary Tract Infection in Children

INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common infectious diseases in children. However, although several specific guidelines have been published, the management of UTI has not been standardized. In this study, we evaluated the knowledge of residents about UTI using an online questionnaire. It was aimed to increase the interest and attention of residents on UTI.
METHODS: The questionnaire consisted of 42 multiple-choice and true/false questions prepared through “Google Forms.” The questions were sent to resident physicians working in Ankara province through various “WhatsApp” groups. Participation in the survey was voluntary.
RESULTS: Ninety-three research assistants participated in the survey. The proportion of physicians in the first 2 years of residency training was 29.1%, and in the last year was 54.9%. 25.8% of residents felt competent about UTI. Bladder-bowel dysfunction, vesicoureteral reflux, and obesity were confirmed as risk factors by 98.9% of residents. However, 35.5% of the residents stated that fever is not seen in lower urinary tract infection and 5.4% stated that pyuria is sufficient for the diagnosis of UTI. The use of prophylaxis was thought to prevent renal scarring by 78.5%. Probiotic/prebiotic use was reported to be protective by 40.9%.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: UTI can be managed differently depending on the level of knowledge and experience of physicians. In addition to correct answers, incorrect/incomplete answers were also noteworthy in our survey. Collaboration among physicians caring for pediatric patients and agreement on common guidelines are thought to provide more appropriate management of pediatric UTIs.