Primary Healthcare Physicians’ Knowledge, Attitude and Practices about Diabetic Foot Prevention and Management in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Aim of Study: To assess primary healthcare (PHC) physicians’ knowledge, attitude, and practices related to prevention and management of diabetic foot. Methods: Following a cross-sectional study design, a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to PHC physicians in Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practices related to diabetic foot prevention and management. Results: The study included 150 PHC physicians, out of whom 55.3% were males. General practitioners comprised 63.3%, specialists 20% and consultants 16.7% of the sample. There was a significant positive correlation between knowledge, attitude and practice scores of PHC physicians. Mean percent knowledge scores were highest among family physicians than those with other specialties (p=0.048), and were significantly highest among physicians with more than 10 years’ experience in PHC (p=0.032). Attitude scores did not differ significantly according to their personal characteristics. Practice scores were highest among family physicians than those with other specialties (p=0.041). Conclusion: PHC physicians’ knowledge and attitude toward diabetic foot prevention and management are good but their practice is suboptimal. There are significantly positive correlations between knowledge, attitude and practices of PHC physicians. Those who have higher experience in PHC have higher knowledge, attitude and practices toward diabetic foot management. Keywords: Diabetic foot, knowledge, attitude, practice, primary healthcare.