DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2024.v12i02.017

Pages: 189-199

Background: Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) pose significant challenges globally, impacting millions of individuals with diabetes. Effective management requires adequate knowledge, positive attitudes, and evidence-based practices among primary care physicians. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of primary care physicians regarding DFU management in Qatar. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured questionnaire distributed online to 724 primary care physicians at Primary Health Care Corporation, Qatar, between September 2022 and January 2023. Data were collected on demographics, knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to DFU management. Results: A total of 131 physicians responded (response rate: 18.09%). The majority were male (53.4%) and aged 46-55 years (37.4%). Most physicians (49.6%) received training on DFU. The primary care physicians at PHCC demonstrated high knowledge (with mean score of 16 out of 20), positive attitudes (with a mean score of 36.5 out of 50), and effective practices (mean score of 5.3) regarding the management of diabetic foot ulcers. Male physicians outperformed females significantly in knowledge (16.5±2.1 vs. 15.4±2.3), attitude (37.3±4.7 vs. 35.3±4.0), and practice (5.5±1.3 vs. 5.0±1.5), all with p<0.05. Primary care physicians with an MBBS degree scored higher in practice (5.6±1.4) compared to master's (5.5±1.7), diplomas (5.2±1.2), and Ph.D. holders (3.4±1.1), all statistically significant (p<0.05). Participants who read the diabetic foot ulcer guideline showed superior knowledge (16.5±2.1), attitude (37.2±4.7), and practice (5.6±1.3) scores, all statistically significant (p<0.05). Physicians who have training in DFU showed higher knowledge and practice scores than those without training. Conclusion: Despite a generally high level of knowledge and positive attitudes towards DFU management among primary care physicians in Qatar, targeted interventions are needed ...