Knowledge and attitudes of physicians toward forensic psychiatry in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and attitudes of physicians of different specialties, including psychiatrists, regarding forensic psychiatry to determine whether further modification or training is needed in the psychiatry residency program.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out using a 3-page, 3-section questionnaire containing 21 questions disseminated randomly online via Google forms using social media platforms. The 482 participants were residents, specialists, and consultants of various specialties. The study was conducted between September 2020 and August 2021 in various tertiary hospitals across Saudi Arabia.

Results: A total of 482 physicians were recruited. The most common age group was 25-35 years, comprising mostly Saudis (62.4%). Based on the results, "poor" and "good" knowledge of forensic psychiatry was identified in 89% and 11% of the physicians, while "negative" and "positive" attitudes were identified in 16.4% and 83.6% of the physicians.

Conclusion: Although the perspective of physicians regarding forensic psychiatry was found to be positive, their knowledge of the topic seems to be lacking.