Basic Knowledge of Physician about Total Parenteral Nutrition in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To explore the physician’s basic knowledge about Total Parenteral Nutrition in Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: It analyzes a cross-sectional survey that discussed the physician’s basic knowledge of some items for Total Parenteral Nutrition services (TPNs) in Saudi Arabia. The survey consisted of respondents’ demographic information about the Assessment of Total Parenteral Nutrition services (TPNs) knowledge of physicians, The resources of Parenteral Nutrition services (TPNs) used by physicians. The 5-point Likert response scale system was used with closedended questions. The survey was validated through the revision of expert reviewers and pilot testing. Besides, various tests of the reliability of McDonald’s ω, Cronbach alpha, Gutmann’s λ2, and Gutmann’s λ6 been done with the study. Furthermore, the physician›s basic knowledge about Total Parenteral Nutrition is analyzed through the survey monkey system. Besides, the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS), Jeffery’s Amazing Statistics Program (JASP), and Microsoft Excel sheet version 16. Results: A total number of 409 physicians responded to the questionnaire. Of them, almost one-half responded from the Northern region (186 (45.48%)), and one Quarter responded from the central area (106 (25.92%)), with statistically significant differences between the provinces (p=0.000). Females responded more than males (268 (65.53%)) versus 141 (34.47%)), with statistically significant differences between all levels (p=0.001). Most of the responders were in the age group of 36-45 years (198 (48.41%)) and 46-55 years (109 (26.65%)), with statistically significant differences between all age groups (p=0.000). Almost one-half of responders, 176 (43.03%), worked at an organization that had Parenteral Nutrition services (TPNs) services, with only 86 (21.03%) had been ever requested any Parenteral Nutrition services (TPNs) with statistically significant differences between all answers (p=0.000). The average score of basic knowledge of physicians about the Total Parenteral Nutrition services (TPNs) was (2.57). The element “Have you ever heard about the concept of Total Parenteral Nutrition services (TPNs)” obtained the highest score (3.22). The aspect “know the requirements of TPN through peripheral line administration” (2.89). The element “know the interaction of the drug with total Parenteral Nutrition services (TPNs)” was (2.76). The most resources for Parenteral Nutrition services (TPNs) were the Saud Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) website 178 (43.63%), Peer discussions 113 (27.70%), and Medical association literature/guidelines/recommendations 112 (27.45%). Conclusion: The basic knowledge of physicians about total parenteral nutrition is inadequate. Therefore, targeting education nutrition support for physicians is highly recommended, and the privilege of prescribing TPN should be reviewed.