EXPLORING CLINICIANS' PERSPECTIVES ON THE ROLE OF FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY TEST IN DIAGNOSING BODY LUMPS IN D. I. KHAN; A REMOTE AREA OF KP.
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Keywords
Fine-Needle Aspiration, Body Lumps, Clinician Perception, Rural Health, Cytology, Diagnostic Techniques.
Abstract
Background: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a cost-effective and minimally invasive diagnostic tool for evaluating body lumps. Despite its clinical significance, its utilization and perceived effectiveness may vary in resource-limited areas like Dera Ismail Khan (D. I. Khan), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.
Objective: To assess clinicians’ knowledge, perceptions, utilization patterns, and perceived challenges related to FNAC in diagnosing body lumps in D.I. Khan, a remote healthcare area of KP.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted over six months (1st June – 31st December 2024) involving 50 clinicians in D.I. Khan using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. A structured, expert-reviewed, self-administered questionnaire was used to gather demographic data and responses regarding FNAC awareness, usage, and challenges. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23, applying descriptive and inferential statistics (Chi-square test, p<0.05 & Fisher’s exact test).
Results: Of the 50 clinicians surveyed, most practiced in urban areas (84%) and were male (76%), with 56% being consultants. While 88% were familiar or very familiar with FNAC, only 44% reported frequent use. FNAC was primarily used for thyroid (28%) and breast lumps (20%), with usage significantly associated with designation (p=0.025) and department (p=0.01). Most clinicians (80%) considered FNAC effective or very effective. Major advantages included its minimally invasive nature (46%) and cost-effectiveness (8%), whereas key challenges included reliance on trained personnel (46%) and limited resources (30%). Recommended improvements included enhanced training (30%), better infrastructure (16%), and mobile diagnostic units (14%).
Conclusion: Clinicians in D.I. Khan recognize FNAC’s diagnostic value but face practical limitations in its routine application. Targeted training, infrastructure upgrades, and mobile diagnostic solutions are essential to improve FNAC utilization and diagnostic capacity in underserved areas.
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Saima Bashir
Associate Professor Pathology Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan
Adnan Khan
Medical Student Final year Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan
Nargis Noman
Professor Community Medicine Gomal Medical College, D.I.Khan
Muhammad Shafiq
Professor of Orthopedics DHQ Hospital, D.I.Khan
Samina Qadir
Professor Community Medicine Gomal medical College, D.I.Khan