Designing a KAP (Knowledge, attitude, and practice) tool to capture healthy lifestyle within primary care

Abstract

Abstract Background: Non-communicable diseases contribute to a significant global burden of disease and are associated with modifiable risk factors. These risk factors are closely related with lifestyles and eating patterns which are often culturally embedded and managed differently in various health care settings. Aim of the study: To assesses the applicability and feasibility of the KAPS (Knowledge, attitude, and practice) survey in generating data about knowledge, attitudes, and practices about healthy lifestyles globally and providing foundations for testing other models or development of a newer model in this area which captures and influence behavior changes towards healthy lifestyles. Methods: The KAP survey was tailored to capture the construct of healthy lifestyles (within the context of Qatar primary care settings) by reviewing existing surveys, adaptation to local context, expert consultation and feedback, pilot testing, feedback analysis, cognitive interviews and translation and validation. Results: The study reports that most participants found the content comprehensive, relevant, easy to understand but considered it lengthy. The study highlights the significance of incorporating expert feedback in this exercise, acknowledging that it is an iterative process and recognizing the challenges associated with the items and domains included in such a tool. Conclusion: A KAP tool specifically designed for healthy lifestyles can aid in health advocacy, monitoring the modifiable risk factors, capturing rich epidemiological data to design preventive interventions, surveillance of high risks patients and strengthening the existing health information systems. Further research is needed to modify and formulate a KAP specifically for healthy lifestyles with stronger validity and generalizability within different healthcare settings globally.