Knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of primary health physicians towards glucose self-monitoring in patients with type2 diabetes mellitus in Palestine.

Abstract

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) stands as a significant global health challenge for individuals and societies. In the context of Palestine, T2DM affects about 9.2% of the Palestinian population and contributes to a relatively high complication rate. Effectivemanagement strategies including glucose self- monitoring need to be optimized to improve patient outcomes and alleviate the strain on the healthcare system. One of the physicians' roles in T2DM management is explaining and guiding patients towards the integration of glucose self-monitoring into their personal diabetes management routine. This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of primary health care physicians who care for (T2DM) patients in the West Bank regarding glucose self-monitoring.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among physicians working in PHC centers. The study period was from January to March 2024. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire.

Results: Five hundred ten medical doctors were surveyed and 300 of them replied, giving a response rate of 58.8%. The median age of the respondents was 35.0 [30.0, 41.0] years. Of the respondents, 180 (60.0%) were males. The median duration of practice as a doctor was 9.0 [5.0, 15.0] years. Most, 252 (84.0%), were general practitioners, 38 (12.7%) family medicine specialists, and 10 (3.3%) other specialties. Female respondents and those who saw more patients reported better knowledge (p < 0.05). The majority believed that glucose self-monitoring can improve patient outcomes, knew values of glucose self-monitoring that corresponded to HbA1c control and the microvascular complications of diabetes, and realized the importance of glucose self-monitoring for patients. However, 40% of them are not confident or somewhat confident about interpreting data and adjusting treatment plans. Regarding the respondent's practices, 39.3% of the doctors stated that they would recommend glucose- self monitoring to newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients more than one time a day.

Conclusion: There was a positive attitude toward glucose self-monitoring among the respondents in the primary healthcare clinics. Conversely, the clinicians' glucose self-monitoring practices were suboptimal. Future research should examine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of physicians who provide patient care in the private sector.