ABSTRACT
Background and aim of the work: The aim of this study is to assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices [KAP] towards diabetes and its complications among physicians in Taif
Subjects and Methods: This survey was done by interviewing the physicians to fill the questionnaire focusing on their awareness about screening, diagnosis, and preventive measures of diabetic complications
Results: A total of 101 physicians [72% females], 88% of them were practicing in urban areas and 78% of them practiced > 5 years. 90% of the physicians had postgraduate qualifications and 49% of them had special training on diabetes management. Eighty one percent follow guidelines for care for diabetes. In 72% of practioners diabetic patients constituted 18-50% of patients in their daily practice and in 28% of practioners diabetic patient were > 50% of daily practice. Over 80% of the participants were aware about the correct answers. Comparing the percentages of awareness among practioners in tertiary hospitals and primary health care centers it was significantly higher in the formers [P< 0.05]. The question which had the highest percentages of correct answer was about the value of periodic examination of diabetic patient [correct in94%]. The effect of lipid profile on diabetic complications was the least to be answered correctly
Conclusion: The study revealed a good to excellent awareness of Taif practioners about early detection, diagnosis and management of diabetic complications especially those practicing in tertiary hospitals, reflecting the values of continuous medical education programs applied in such hospitals