Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the awareness levels and guideline-based management strategies of physicians who initially assess pediatric foreign body ingestion cases but do not perform definitive interventions.

Patients and Methods: Between July 2025 and February 2026, this cross-sectional, descriptive survey was conducted at Trakya University Faculty of Medicine. A total of 131 physicians, comprising 67 females (51.1%) and 64 males (48.9%), fully completed a 10-item online scenario-based questionnaire. In terms of specialty, 42.7% (n = 56) were general practitioners, 24.4% (n = 32) were emergency medicine specialists or residents, 18.3% (n = 24) were family medicine specialists or residents, and 14.5% (n = 19) were pediatric specialists or residents. Five items assessed demographic and professional characteristics, and five evaluated knowledge of contemporary management strategies. Correct responses were scored as 1 point (total score range: 0-5). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of high awareness (score ≥ 4).

Results: The median total knowledge score obtained from scenario-based questions on pediatric foreign body ingestion was 4 (interquartile range: 3-4; range: 0-5). The highest correct response rates were observed in magnet (82.4%) and sharp object management (81.7%), whereas the lowest rate was noted in button battery management (61.8%). Primary care practice was independently associated with a lower likelihood of high awareness (odds ratio [OR]: 0.357, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.14-0.89, p = 0.027). Increasing annual case volume was also inversely associated with high awareness (OR: 0.614, 95% CI: 0.40-0.94, p = 0.025).

Conclusion: Awareness of current management guidelines among first-contact physicians was moderate, with critical gaps in time-sensitive scenarios such as button battery ingestion. Structured educational interventions and updated triage algorithms are necessary to improve early management and optimize patient outcomes.

Citation: İnanç İ, Çeliktürk E, Erdener Çeliktürk C, Yıldız S. Awareness and management approaches of first-contact physicians in pediatric foreign body ingestion cases. Turkish J Ped Surg 2026;40(3):123-128. doi: 10.62114/JTAPS.2026.235.