John Bukasa-Kakamba, Ayrton I Bangolo, Nickson Poka, Christian Bompongo, Shruti Wadhwani, Nikita Wadhwani, Isis Kapinga Kalambayi, Manasse Bukasa Mutombo, Pierre Fwelo, Pascal Bayauli, Gael Menga, Andy Sifa, Cute Diazabakana, Guy Kingebeni, Mbuyi Mulumba, Djo Mambu, Richard Mfuke Bokondo, Jean-René M'Buyamba-Kabangu
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Despite its increasing incidence, limited data exist on physicians' knowledge of thyroid cancer management in the DRC.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the knowledge levels of Congolese physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules and cancers, and to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024, involving 369 physicians practicing in healthcare facilities across Kinshasa, DRC. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected <i>via</i> a structured questionnaire covering thyroid cancer epidemiology, diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, and prognosis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, with a <i>P</i> value ≤ 0.05 being considered as statistically significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall response rate was 96.1%. Of all participants, 68% were female and 32% were male physicians. General practitioners constituted 84.8% of respondents, with an average age of 34 years. While 53.7% demonstrated adequate knowledge of hypothyroidism management post-thyroidectomy and 61.2% identified the approach for hypoparathyroidism, only 5.1% recognized the need for radiotherapy in metastatic thyroid cancer cases. Awareness of anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment was limited (6.5%), and 90.2% of physicians were unfamiliar with the surgical complications. Moderate understanding was noted in diagnostic protocols, with 44.2% correctly identifying repeat fine-needle aspiration timing in Bethesda I cases. Knowledge of molecular genetics, recurrence risks, and metastasis patterns was remarkably low.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights significant knowledge gaps among Congolese physicians regarding thyroid cancer management, especially about advanced treatment modalities and molecular genetics. Targeted educational programs and improved access to diagnostic tools are critical to bridging these deficits. 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引用次数: 0
摘要
背景：包括刚果民主共和国（DRC）在内的全球甲状腺癌发病率正在上升。尽管发病率越来越高，但刚果民主共和国医生对甲状腺癌管理知识的了解有限。目的：评估刚果医生在甲状腺结节和癌症的诊断和治疗方面的知识水平，并确定现有的差距和需要改进的领域。方法：从2024年6月至8月进行了一项描述性横断面研究，涉及在刚果民主共和国金沙萨医疗机构执业的369名医生。参与者采用多阶段抽样方法进行选择。通过结构化问卷收集数据，包括甲状腺癌的流行病学、诊断方法、治疗方法和预后。数据分析采用SPSS version 25，采用描述统计和推理统计，P值≤0.05为统计学显著。结果：总有效率为96.1%。在所有参与者中，68%是女性，32%是男性医生。全科医生占回答者的84.8%，平均年龄34岁。虽然53.7%的人对甲状腺切除术后甲状腺功能减退的治疗有足够的了解，61.2%的人认识到甲状旁腺功能减退的方法，但只有5.1%的人认识到转移性甲状腺癌病例需要放疗。对甲状腺间变性癌治疗的认识有限（6.5%），90.2%的医生不熟悉手术并发症。在诊断方案中注意到中度理解，44.2%的Bethesda I病例正确识别重复细针抽吸时间。对分子遗传学、复发风险和转移模式的了解非常少。结论：这项研究突出了刚果医生在甲状腺癌管理方面的重大知识差距，特别是在先进的治疗方式和分子遗传学方面。有针对性的教育计划和改善获得诊断工具的机会对于弥补这些缺陷至关重要。解决这些差距可以提高甲状腺癌护理的质量，并使刚果民主共和国的临床实践与全球标准保持一致。
Bridging the deficit: Assessing knowledge gaps in thyroid cancer management amongst physicians in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Background: Thyroid cancer incidence is rising globally, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite its increasing incidence, limited data exist on physicians' knowledge of thyroid cancer management in the DRC.
Aim: To evaluate the knowledge levels of Congolese physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid nodules and cancers, and to identify existing gaps and areas for improvement.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to August 2024, involving 369 physicians practicing in healthcare facilities across Kinshasa, DRC. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data were collected via a structured questionnaire covering thyroid cancer epidemiology, diagnostic methods, treatment approaches, and prognosis. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive and inferential statistics, with a P value ≤ 0.05 being considered as statistically significant.
Results: Overall response rate was 96.1%. Of all participants, 68% were female and 32% were male physicians. General practitioners constituted 84.8% of respondents, with an average age of 34 years. While 53.7% demonstrated adequate knowledge of hypothyroidism management post-thyroidectomy and 61.2% identified the approach for hypoparathyroidism, only 5.1% recognized the need for radiotherapy in metastatic thyroid cancer cases. Awareness of anaplastic thyroid cancer treatment was limited (6.5%), and 90.2% of physicians were unfamiliar with the surgical complications. Moderate understanding was noted in diagnostic protocols, with 44.2% correctly identifying repeat fine-needle aspiration timing in Bethesda I cases. Knowledge of molecular genetics, recurrence risks, and metastasis patterns was remarkably low.
Conclusion: This study highlights significant knowledge gaps among Congolese physicians regarding thyroid cancer management, especially about advanced treatment modalities and molecular genetics. Targeted educational programs and improved access to diagnostic tools are critical to bridging these deficits. Addressing these gaps can enhance the quality of thyroid cancer care and align clinical practices in the DRC with global standards.
期刊介绍：
The WJCO is a high-quality, peer reviewed, open-access journal. The primary task of WJCO is to rapidly publish high-quality original articles, reviews, editorials, and case reports in the field of oncology. In order to promote productive academic communication, the peer review process for the WJCO is transparent; to this end, all published manuscripts are accompanied by the anonymized reviewers’ comments as well as the authors’ responses. The primary aims of the WJCO are to improve diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive modalities and the skills of clinicians and to guide clinical practice in oncology. Scope: Art of Oncology, Biology of Neoplasia, Breast Cancer, Cancer Prevention and Control, Cancer-Related Complications, Diagnosis in Oncology, Gastrointestinal Cancer, Genetic Testing For Cancer, Gynecologic Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, Hematologic Malignancy, Lung Cancer, Melanoma, Molecular Oncology, Neurooncology, Palliative and Supportive Care, Pediatric Oncology, Surgical Oncology, Translational Oncology, and Urologic Oncology.
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