Knowledge level of anaphylaxis management and epinephrine use among health professionals: a cross-sectional evaluation of audiologists

Fatih Kaplan; Bilge Kurnaz Kaplan; Abdulgani Gülyüz

doi:10.38053/acmj.1883497

Knowledge level of anaphylaxis management and epinephrine use among health professionals: a cross-sectional evaluation of audiologists

Abstract

Aims: Anaphylaxis is a severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction with sudden onset and rapid progression that can be fatal if early intramuscular epinephrine is not administered. Although audiologists frequently work with pediatric and allergic patient populations, their competence in recognizing and managing anaphylaxis has not been systematically evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess audiologists’ knowledge levels regarding anaphylaxis, to identify critical life-saving knowledge gaps, and to determine independent predictors of correct epinephrine and auto-injector use. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 189 audiologists completed a 22-item knowledge questionnaire covering the definition of anaphylaxis, triggers, clinical manifestations, first-line treatment, epinephrine administration route and dose, and auto-injector use. A total knowledge score (range: 0-22) was calculated. Three critical outcomes were analyzed separately: knowledge that epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, knowledge that epinephrine should be administered intramuscularly, and knowledge of the correct epinephrine dose (0.01 mg/kg). Independent predictors were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The median total knowledge score was 12 (range: 1-22), and the internal consistency of the questionnaire was good (Cronbach’s α=0.793). Only 50.8% of participants correctly identified epinephrine as the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, 34.4% knew that epinephrine should be administered intramuscularly, and 42.9% knew the correct epinephrine dose. Awareness of epinephrine auto-injectors was identified as the strongest independent predictor of correct dose knowledge (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.28; 95% CI 1.94-9.46; p<0.001). Professional experience significantly predicted knowledge of intramuscular administration (aOR 1.07; p=0.008). Conclusion: Although overall knowledge of anaphylaxis among audiologists was moderate, only 50.8% identified epinephrine as first-line treatment, 34.4% knew the intramuscular route, and 42.9% knew the correct dose. Awareness of auto-injectors was strongly associated with correct dose knowledge (aOR 4.28). These findings highlight critical gaps in life-saving knowledge and the need for targeted training programs.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

The authors declare that this study received no financial support.

Ethical Statement

This study was approved by the Institutional Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Malatya Turgut Özal University (Approval No: 2026-32) and conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Thanks

The authors thank all audiologists who voluntarily participated in the national survey.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Pediatric Immunology and Allergic Diseases

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Fatih Kaplan ^*
0000-0002-2980-5537
Türkiye

Bilge Kurnaz Kaplan
0000-0002-2342-2199
Türkiye

Abdulgani Gülyüz
0000-0001-5797-9115
Türkiye

Publication Date

March 10, 2026

Submission Date

February 6, 2026

Acceptance Date

March 2, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 8 Number: 2

DOI

https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1883497

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA76CR42RM

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Kaplan, F., Kurnaz Kaplan, B., & Gülyüz, A. (2026). Knowledge level of anaphylaxis management and epinephrine use among health professionals: a cross-sectional evaluation of audiologists. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, 8(2), 351-357. https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1883497

AMA

1.Kaplan F, Kurnaz Kaplan B, Gülyüz A. Knowledge level of anaphylaxis management and epinephrine use among health professionals: a cross-sectional evaluation of audiologists. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj. 2026;8(2):351-357. doi:10.38053/acmj.1883497

Chicago

Kaplan, Fatih, Bilge Kurnaz Kaplan, and Abdulgani Gülyüz. 2026. “Knowledge Level of Anaphylaxis Management and Epinephrine Use Among Health Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Audiologists”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8 (2): 351-57. https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1883497.

EndNote

Kaplan F, Kurnaz Kaplan B, Gülyüz A (March 1, 2026) Knowledge level of anaphylaxis management and epinephrine use among health professionals: a cross-sectional evaluation of audiologists. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8 2 351–357.

IEEE

[1]F. Kaplan, B. Kurnaz Kaplan, and A. Gülyüz, “Knowledge level of anaphylaxis management and epinephrine use among health professionals: a cross-sectional evaluation of audiologists”, Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 351–357, Mar. 2026, doi: 10.38053/acmj.1883497.

ISNAD

Kaplan, Fatih - Kurnaz Kaplan, Bilge - Gülyüz, Abdulgani. “Knowledge Level of Anaphylaxis Management and Epinephrine Use Among Health Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Audiologists”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal 8/2 (March 1, 2026): 351-357. https://doi.org/10.38053/acmj.1883497.

JAMA

1.Kaplan F, Kurnaz Kaplan B, Gülyüz A. Knowledge level of anaphylaxis management and epinephrine use among health professionals: a cross-sectional evaluation of audiologists. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj. 2026;8:351–357.

MLA

Kaplan, Fatih, et al. “Knowledge Level of Anaphylaxis Management and Epinephrine Use Among Health Professionals: A Cross-Sectional Evaluation of Audiologists”. Anatolian Current Medical Journal, vol. 8, no. 2, Mar. 2026, pp. 351-7, doi:10.38053/acmj.1883497.

Vancouver

1.Fatih Kaplan, Bilge Kurnaz Kaplan, Abdulgani Gülyüz. Knowledge level of anaphylaxis management and epinephrine use among health professionals: a cross-sectional evaluation of audiologists. Anatolian Curr Med J / ACMJ / acmj. 2026 Mar. 1;8(2):351-7. doi:10.38053/acmj.1883497