Ömer GÜNEŞ, Aslınur ÖZKAYA PARLAKAY, Ahmet Yasin GÜNEY, Fatih ÜÇKARDEŞ, Saliha KANIK YÜKSEK, Belgin GÜLHAN
Türkiye Çocuk Hastalıkları Dergisi - 2026;20(1):64-69
Objective: Brucellosis, endemic in Türkiye, requires physicians' awareness for early recognition, diagnosis, and treatment. This study aimed to assess pediatric residents' knowledge and awareness of brucellosis. Material and Methods: Between August and September 2023, pediatric residents with 0-48 months of training at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital were surveyed using an online 15-item, cross-sectional, multiple-choice questionnaire covering demographics, clinical findings, diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis. Each item included four response options reflecting different diagnostic or therapeutic approaches. Incomplete or unsubmitted forms were excluded. Results: A total of 174 residents participated (73% female). Of these, 84 (48.3%) were senior and 90 (51.7%) junior. Senior residents had significantly higher correct response rates than juniors regarding complications (88.1% vs. 83.3%), clinical symptoms (91.1% vs. 70.2%), laboratory findings (77.8% vs. 58.3%), diagnostic serology (52.2% vs. 28.6%), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for sacroiliitis (83.3% vs. 65.5%), antibiotic combinations (72.2% vs. 50.0%), and treatment of spondylitis (47.8% vs. 23.8%) (p<0.050 for all). Knowledge improved progressively with residency year (linear-by-linear association, p<0.001). Conclusion: Senior residents demonstrated significantly greater knowledge of brucellosis compared to juniors. These results emphasize the importance of structured, continuous education that begins early in residency and is reinforced periodically. Given the endemic nature of brucellosis in Türkiye, targeted and regularly updated training programs for pediatric residents may improve recognition, diagnostic accuracy, appropriate treatment, and clinical outcomes. Future multi-center studies may better reflect regional differences in awareness and training.
