Do Primary Care Providers in Saudi Arabia Have Sufficient Knowledge to Support COPD Management and Patient Education? A National Cross-Sectional Survey

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Evidence-based education is critical for improving healthcare professionals' knowledge and promoting optimal clinical practice. However, no study has evaluated COPD-related knowledge among primary healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the level of COPD knowledge in this group and to identify factors associated with higher scores. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 2024 to May 2025 among licensed primary healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia, using the Bristol COPD Knowledge Questionnaire (BCKQ). One-way ANOVA was used to compare mean scores across demographic and professional groups, followed by multivariable linear regression to identify independent factors of knowledge. Results: A total of 1686 responses were received, of which 92 incomplete submissions were excluded, leaving 1594 fully completed questionnaires for analysis. Nurses accounted for 40.4%, general practitioners for 35.8%, and family medicine physicians for 24.0%. The mean (SD) total BCKQ score was 28.2 ± 8.15 out of 65 (43.4%), indicating moderate knowledge overall. The highest-scoring domain was Phlegm (2.96 ± 1.39), while the lowest was Inhaled Steroids (1.26 ± 0.86). Significant differences in knowledge were observed by profession (p = 0.004), region (p = 0.001), workplace (p < 0.001), clinic type (p < 0.001), prior COPD training (p = 0.010), and self-reported knowledge (p < 0.001). In multivariable linear regression, self-reported adequate knowledge (β = 3.99; p < 0.001), prior COPD training (β = 1.89; p = 0.011), and being a family medicine physician versus a general practitioner (β = 1.99; p = 0.027) were independently associated with higher knowledge. Conclusion: Primary healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia showed moderate COPD knowledge, with gaps in prevention and pharmacological management. Higher scores were linked to prior COPD training, self-reported adequate knowledge, and being a family medicine physician. Expanding structured, evidence-based training could address these gaps and enhance COPD care nationwide.