Health Workers’ Perspectives on Family Medicine and Family Physicians in Karbala City, Iraq

Background: The opinions and experiences of health workers can provide valuable insights into the current state of family medicine and its potential to improve healthcare services in any country, including Iraq. Objectives: To identify health workers’ perceptions in Karbala Governorate regarding the role of family medicine and family physicians, and to explore their opinions on the performance of primary health care centers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out from March through May 2024, involving health professionals from various health service settings in Karbala Governorate, Iraq. Data were collected through a structured, self-administered validated questionnaire covering demographic data, knowledge and attitudes toward family medicine and family physicians, as well as their perceptions of the performance of primary health care centers (PHCC). Results: Out of 402 respondents, nearly two-thirds identified significant shortcomings in PHCC performance. Only 37.5% felt they had adequate knowledge about the roles of family physicians, while 44.5% believed that these roles were not well-defined. Conclusion: The findings highlight notable concerns among health workers regarding both the effectiveness of PHCCs and their understanding of family physicians’ roles. No significant associations were observed between these views and the participants’ demographic profiles.