Assessing KAP of primary care physicians in Lebanon in screening for sudden cardiac arrest in youth

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Authors: Alaaeddine El Ghazawi, Alicia Khazzeka, Mahdi Hamade, Wael Barakeh, Hady Yazbeck, Amin Zahwe, Bassel Lakkis, Joe R. Eid, Elias D. Rady, Mona H. Osman, Marwan M. Refaat
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References: 8

Abstract

Sudden cardiac arrest is a major cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in youth, including athletes and nonathletes. In Lebanon, the survival rate after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in individuals 50 years old; 53% general practitioners (GPs), 32% pediatricians, 15% family doctors). Family doctors had the highest mean knowledge score (1.9), followed by GPs (1.56). Attitude assessment showed that 70% of family physicians, 58.3% of GPs, and 59.1% of pediatricians believed there is sufficient screening for SCD risk factors in young adults. Practice assessment using American Heart Association criteria showed mean scores of 12.4 for family doctors and pediatricians and 10.9 for GPs. While awareness and knowledge of SCD among Lebanese primary care physicians are moderate, they are not consistently translated into clinical practice. These findings underscore the need for targeted education, implementation of standardized screening protocols, and further research to address this gap.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cardiovascular Effects of Exercise Cardiac Arrest and Resuscitation Cardiac electrophysiology and arrhythmias

Publication details

Journal / source
Medicine
Volume
105
Issue
1
Pages
e46813–e46813
Publication date
2 January 2026
Language
EN