P-458: Perceived impact of the PEDAF pre-training program on the practice of paediatric endocrinology and diabetology in Francophone Africa: a multicentre online survey
D Djaury, N Gaelle, B Mylidia, C Adele, N Ritha, S SapAbstract
Introduction
Dr DJAURY Dadjia, pédiatre, endocrinologue et diabétologue. président de l’Association de lutte contre le Diabète.
Objectives
Evaluate the perceived impact of the PEDAF prerequisite training program on knowledge and practice in pediatric endocrinology and diabetology among health professionals in French-speaking African countries and Haiti.
Methods
This descriptive, cross-sectional study, using online questionnaires (Google Forms), was sent to 124 healthcare professionals who had completed the prerequisite training for the PEDAF program. The variables analyzed were: respondent profile, integration of new protocols into their practice, evolution of their knowledge, recognition of emergencies, and communication with patients and their families. Responses were evaluated on a frequency scale (from “never” to “always”) and classified as low, medium, or high scores.
Results
In total, 87 (70.2%) respondents from 16 countries participated: Mali (14.9%), Haiti (12.6%), DRC (11.5%), Cameroon (9.2%), Senegal (8.0%), and Chad (8.0%). Public hospitals accounted for 69.0%, while the private sector represented 25.3%. 51.7% of participants reported being very confident in their ability to manage endocrine diseases and diabetes in outpatient settings, and 59.8% reported “excellent” improvement in knowledge. Other positive aspects included knowledge of emergency signs (73.6%), improved communication with patients and families (72.4%), and improved patient care (60.9%). Most respondents reported seeing 1 to 10 cases of pediatric diabetes and endocrinopathies after the course, with frequent diagnoses of growth retardation (69.0%), thyroid disorders (54.0%), pubertal disorders (50.6%), and nutritional rickets (41.4%).
Conclusions
The PEDAF prerequisite training has a positive impact on the knowledge and practice of participants in pediatric endocrinology and diabetology.