Saudi Arabian Physical Therapists' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Clinical Practice in Diabetes Prevention and Management.

Abstract

This study explores physical therapists' current knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward the management and prevention of diabetes in Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional survey was distributed among physical therapists in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire included several sections concerning their knowledge, attitude, and current practice toward diabetic management. A total of 301 physical therapists (32% female) participated in our study. The results suggest that only half of the participants agreed that diabetes management and prevention were within physical therapy's scope of service. However, approximately 30% of the participants did not regularly check or ask about the glucose levels of their patients with diabetes. Only 55% of the participants correctly answered the knowledge test questions. This study found that physical therapists in Saudi Arabia have a modest level of diabetes knowledge. The findings indicate that physical therapy educational programs should address diabetes management. Furthermore, continued education is required for current practicing physical therapists in Saudi Arabia.