Letters To Editor

A comment on an evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices about prescribing fixed dose combinations among resident doctors Sir, This is with regard to the article entitled “an evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices about prescribing fixed dose combinations among resident doctors” (2013; 4:130-5).[1] The importance of this article lies in the fact that ultimately, it is this study population (resident doctors) who have a role to play in curative cure as the title suggest and the material methods details, the study is aimed at arriving at three components of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP). Most of the KAP studies lack in measuring attitude properly (the second part of a standard KAP survey questionnaire).[2] It is not only here that this study suffers. The study also lacks on its inability to adequately explore the practice component. The study actually is a study on pattern of awareness among resident doctors on fixed drug combinations. If we have a look at the results part of the study, no detail is provided on the attitude of the residents. Attitude includes three components: (a) A cognitive or knowledge element (b) an affective or feeling element, and (c) a tendency to action.[3] Attitude has been defined as a relatively enduring organization of beliefs around an object, subject, or concept which predisposes one to respond in some preferential manner. The authors in this regard can refer to an article entitled “How much can a KAP survey tell us about people›s knowledge, attitude and practices? Some observations from medical anthropology research on malaria in pregnancy in Malawi.”[2] Sunil K. Raina Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India

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Address for correspondence: Dr. Sunil K. Raina, Department of Community Medicine, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, India. E-mail: [email protected]

REFERENCES 1.

Goswami N, Gandhi A, Patel P, Dikshit R. An evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices about prescribing fixed dose combinations among resident doctors. Perspect Clin Res 2013;4:130-5.

2.

Launiala A. How much can a KAP survey tell us about people’s knowledge, attitudes and practices? Some observations from medical anthropology research on malaria in pregnancy in Malawi. Anthropol Matters 2009;11:1-13.

3.

Raina S. Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice in health care delivery. N Am J Med Sci 2013;5:249-50. Access this article online Quick Response Code:

Website: www.picronline.org DOI: 10.4103/2229-3485.124576

Author's reply Sir, This questionnaire based study was conducted in resident doctors to test their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding fixed dose combinations (FDCs). The questionnaire included two questions to test the attitude, (1) in which condition you prescribe FDCs the most? and (2) do you think that FDCs are allowed to be marketed? Similarly, three questions related to practice were also included, (1) which is the most common FDC you prescribe? (2) What are its active ingredients and (3) from where do you get the information about FDCs? We observed that attitude about prescribing and desirability of FDCs was clearly evident and similarly the practice employed was also demonstrated adequately with the help of these questions. We, therefore, feel that the aim of study remains fulfilled.

Perspectives in Clinical Research | January-March 2014 | Vol 5 | Issue 1

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A comment on an evaluation of knowledge, attitude and practices about prescribing fixed dose combinations among resident doctors.

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