WORLD JOURNAL OF ADVANCE
HEALTHCARE RESEARCH

Dr. Firdous Jahan*, Shaikh M. Naeem, Muhammad Moazzam Khan, Muhammad A. Siddiqui, Ramla Hamdan Abdullah Al Ajmi and Fahima Humaid Hamood Al Manji

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Family and general physicians are the main providers of diabetes care. The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices in diabetes management among general practitioners and family physicians in an area of rapidly growing diabetes prevalence. Methods: A cross sectional study conducted in the CME program at Oman Medical College. Data was collected with self-filled questionnaire incorporating physician’s knowledge, attitude and perception in research. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Data was expressed in frequencies and percentages for questionnaire responses. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney test was used to compare differences between groups. Results: A total of 46 participants were enrolled in which 43.5% were male. More than half of the participants (45.7%) were aged between 30-40 years of age and 58.7% of the participants had MD qualification without any postgraduate degree. Among all 45.7% had 5-10 years and 28.3% has less than 5 years of clinical experience and nearly half (45.7%) were managing more 15 diabetic patients in a week. Male and female participants did not differ significantly in their response about source of knowledge (p=0.331; 95% CI-1.11-3.23). Response about physician perception regarding self-care in diabetes mellitus was not significantly different among male and female (p=0.7; 95% CI-1.225-1.809). Male (Mean rank-22.25) and female (Mean rank- 22.15) participant’s responses did not differ significantly (p=0.43) in their responses about statements regarding recommendation for self-care. Conclusion: Family and General physician’s knowledge and practices towards diabetes mellitus were adequate, and need to promote their capacities regarding diabetes management. Primary care physicians can facilitate self-care activities in diabetic patients, promoting self-care practices among diabetic patients to avert any long-term complications. Clinician’s attitude, knowledge and effective communication play an important role in self-care management to improve medication adherence, foot care and life style changes.

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