Journal of Medical Surgical and Allied Sciences, Volume 3, Issue 2 : 1-7 . Doi : 10.37446/jmedsurg/rsa/3.2.2025.1-7

Research Article

OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 31-Dec-2025

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of Sudanese clinicians regarding leukopenia and arthritis as early indicators for differentiating systemic lupus erythematosus

Tanzeel Alamin Almahdi Gorashi
• Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan.


• Khalid Abdelsamea Mohamedahmed
• Department of Hematology and Immunohematology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan.; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan. khalid.gu89@gmail.com. ORCID No: 0000-0001-7084-6106.; Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jerash University, Jerash, Jordan.

Abstract

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that shows variable early symptoms. Leukopenia and non-erosive arthritis are two important early features that can guide timely diagnosis, but there are often under-recognized, particularly in resource-limited countries such as Sudan. Evaluating clinicians’ knowledge and practices is vital for improving early detection. To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices of Sudanese clinicians regarding leukopenia and non-erosive arthritis as early signs of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), aiming to support timely diagnosis and improved patient management.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 348 Sudanese clinicians. Participants completed a structured self-administered questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to early SLE recognition, alongside the demographic and professional characteristics. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation.

Results: Among 348 clinicians (53% female; mean age 30.2 years), only 7% were rheumatologists and 33% had formal rheumatology and autoimmune training. Overall knowledge of early SLE features was moderate (mean 4.1/7), with higher scores in rheumatologists (p < 0.021) and trained clinicians (p < 0.036). Attitudes were positive (mean 21.5/25), especially with training (p < 0.038). In practice, 70% ordered Complete blood count (CBC) and 60% ordered Antinuclear antibody/double-stranded DNA (ANA/dsDNA) or referred appropriately; rates were higher among specialists (p < 0.017) and trained clinicians (p < 0.028). Main barriers were overlapping symptoms (33%) and limited test access (30%). Knowledge correlated with attitude (p < 0.020) and practice (p < 0.024) attitude correlated with practice (p < 0.011).

Conclusion: Sudanese clinicians are aware of early SLE features, but confirmatory diagnostic steps remain inconsistent. Expanding training and improving access to specialized tests could enhance early diagnosis and patient outcomes.

Keywords

systemic lupus erythematosus, leukopenia, non-erosive arthritis, early diagnosis, clinical knowledge

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