@article {Gautam:June 2008:1027-3719:677,
	author = "Gautam, V.P.",
	author = "Shah, A.",
	author = "Malhotra, A.",
	author = "Dewanwala, A.",
	author = "Taneja, D.K.",
	author = "Gupta, V.K.",
	author = "Ingle, G.K.",
	title = "General practitioners knowledge of childhood asthma in Delhi, India",
	journal = "The International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease",
	volume = "12",
	year = "June 2008",
	abstract = "OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge of childhood asthma among general practitioners (GPs) in Delhi, India.<P></P>DESIGN: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 157 GPs were interviewed using a validated questionnaire, including six questions of local and social relevance. A response rate of 78.5% was obtained.<P></P>RESULTS: Although the GPs who participated in the study had adequate knowledge of the importance of appropriate treatment, the safety of inhalers/oral steroids and the role of medicines in the prevention of frequent asthma attacks, the majority lacked knowledge of symptomatology, exercise-induced asthma and inhaled corticosteroids. GPs with &#62;5 years of practice were more likely to have significantly less knowledge about preventive drugs, certain aspects of treatment of acute asthma and misconceptions, such as `drinking milk increases mucus production' or `children with asthma should not consume dairy products, chilled drinks, sour or chilled food'. On the other hand, GPs with &#8804;5 of practice had misconceptions such as `children with asthma have abnormally sensitive airways' and `asthmatic children develop dependence on inhalers'.<P></P>CONCLUSIONS: The gaps in knowledge about asthma and its management highlight the need to design well-structured educational strategies for health professionals.",
	pages = "677-682(6)",
	url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/iuatld/ijtld/2008/00000012/00000006/art00017"
}