Knowledge and diagnostic confidence of general practitioners in managing idiopathic intracranial hypertension: A nationwide survey from the Northern regions of Oman

Abstract

Background

Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) is a rare but potentially vision-threatening condition, often underrecognized in primary care settings. Timely diagnosis and effective management are critical to prevent complications, yet knowledge gaps among general practitioners (GPs) may hinder optimal care. This study assessed the knowledge and diagnostic confidence of GPs in Oman regarding IIH.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 150 GPs in the Al Batinah region and Muscat. The survey evaluated familiarity with IIH, recognition of clinical symptoms, diagnostic practices, and confidence in managing the condition. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and ordinal regression analyses were used to assess associations between knowledge levels, professional background, and confidence in IIH management.

Results

While 95.3 % of respondents accurately defined IIH, only 20.7 % could identify its symptoms, and 11.3 % were aware of appropriate treatment options. Significant associations were found between higher knowledge scores and international medical training (p = 0.001), as well as internship location (p = 0.001). Confidence in diagnosing IIH was strongly associated with clinical exposure to IIH patients (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The study highlights critical knowledge gaps and low diagnostic confidence among GPs in Oman regarding IIH, particularly in recognizing symptoms and management strategies. Findings suggest that international training and clinical exposure enhance IIH knowledge and confidence, underscoring the need for targeted educational interventions to improve diagnosis and patient outcomes