Attitude of Jordanian Physicians toward Biochemistry and Genetics
Table 2
Attitudes and perceptions of Jordanian physicians toward the integration of biochemistry and genetics into clinical practice.
Statement
Interns (agree)
Residents (agree)
Specialists (agree)
Total
value
N
%
N
%
N
%
N
%
I employ different biochemical and genetic tests to help reach the correct diagnosis and in following up the patients
145
89.0
247
90.5
64
88.9
456
89.8
0.291
I understand how important biochemical and genetic markers are in detecting the early stages of certain diseases including cancer, hepatic and renal dysfunction, and myocardial infarction
144
87.3
250
91.2
63
86.3
457
89.3
0.287
I understand that subtle biochemical changes precede, in most cases, the physical signs of certain diseases
136
84.0
212
77.9
60
82.2
408
80.6
0.182
I constantly emphasize to my patients the importance of a healthy diet comprising balanced fractions of macro- and micronutrients (including vitamins and trace minerals)
129
79.6
235
86.1
59
80.8
423
83.4
0.011
I am knowledgeable about the biochemical changes that result from hormonal imbalance
128
78.5
231
85.2
54
74.0
413
81.7
0.045
A comprehensive treatment strategy should ideally be directed toward correcting the molecular basis of the disease, if possible, rather than the sole management of the resulting signs and symptoms
120
74.1
228
84.1
64
87.7
412
81.7
0.022
I am familiar with some of the acidosis and alkalosis disease conditions that are best understood and managed in the relevant biochemical context
111
68.1
217
79.8
53
72.6
381
75.4
0.022
I consult with a clinical biochemist on a regular basis to reach my diagnosis and to follow up the patients after they receive treatment
65
40.4
120
44.6
28
38.4
213
42.5
0.69
I regularly apply biochemically derived themes and equations in my practice including formulas applicable to drug dosing, drug clearance, therapeutic drug monitoring, and detection of disease-specific biomarkers
99
61.9
180
66.4
46
63.9
325
64.7
0.629
Many of the procedures performed in medical practice require knowledge on biochemistry and genetics including sample collection, handling of specimens, and interpretation of lab results
130
81.3
222
81.3
59
80.8
411
81.2
0.995
I can efficiently interpret biochemical and genetic lab results and relate them to the overall clinical picture of the patient
123
78.8
221
81.0
53
73.6
397
79.3
0.389
I understand that it is essential to treat patients on an individual basis taking into consideration their genetic and environmental backgrounds
131
82.4
224
83.0
59
80.8
414
82.5
0.912
Data are presented as numbers and percentages. values were calculated using the chi-square test.