OBJECTIVE: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common chronic rheumatic disease in childhood which usually delayed in diagnosed. Public healthcare worker’s knowledge as the frontline is important in early detection. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate of knowledge of public healthcare workers regarding JIA in Surabaya city.
METHOD: A descriptive multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted in 10 public healthcare centers in Surabaya city during March-May 2019. The subject was 100 public healthcare workers (including, general practitioners (GPs), nurses, and midwives) randomly selected. The data was collected using a predesigned questionnaire about JIA: definition, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, therapy, the timing of referral, and quality of life. Descriptive statistical and analytical statistical methods (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test, considered significant p<0.05) were used in data analyzing. The score of each participant’s knowledge was divided into the low level of knowledge (scores between 0 and 4), moderate (scores between 5 and 9), and high level of knowledge (scores between 10 and 13).
RESULT: In total, 100 participants including GPs (48%), nurses (37%), and midwives (15%) enrolled in this study. The mean score of knowledge among GPs, nurses, and midwives was 10.33, 9.9, and 8.67, respectively (p=0.026). The difference of knowledge between GPs vs midwives (p=0.014), GPs vs nurses (p=0.142), and nurses vs midwives (p=0.071).
CONCLUSION: Public healthcare worker’s knowledge levels regarding JIA was moderate till acceptable knowledge. Therefore, it necessary to evaluate timing of referral of JIA patients in Dr Soetomo hospital, attitude of public healthcare workers, referral system, and other associated factors to prevent delayed diagnosis of JIA.