Survey of Primary Care Physicians’ Knowledge, Practices & Perceptions of Prediabetes in Bahrain

Abstract

Background: Prediabetes is a condition that develops before diabetes and can be treated with intensive Lifestyle Modifications (LSM). This study aimed to assess the knowledge, practices, and perceptions of Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) toward prediabetes in Bahrain. Methods: PCPs in the study were surveyed using a cross-sectional questionnaire in all 28 governmentrun Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Bahrain. We used descriptive statistics to analyse the data, which were then reported as percentages. Results: From 378 PCPs, 263 completed the questionnaire. The physician’s knowledge of prediabetes Risk Factors (RFs) and HbA1C laboratory criteria to diagnose prediabetes was inadequate. As an initial step to manage prediabetes, 12.5% of PCPs refer patients to Diabetes Prevention lifestyle change Programs (DPPs). Moreover, 15.6% recommend 7% minimum weight loss, 57.8% recommend 150 minutes per week of physical activity and 67.7% recommend prescribing metformin. Overall, our study revealed that General Practitioners (GPs) had inferior knowledge to Family Physicians (FPs). According to PCPs, diabetes prevention is hindered by both individual and system-level challenges (e.g., Inadequate motivation and resources to lose weight). Furthermore, PCPs consider that improved access to DPPs and coordinated referrals to them could delay diabetes. Conclusion: Risk stratification, appropriate diagnosis, and intervention at the prediabetes stage are of critical importance for preventing diabetes. Increasing awareness of the public regarding prediabetes complications and educating healthcare providers, especially GPs, on screening guidelines, diagnostic criteria, and evidence-based management options for prediabetes can bring us one step closer to slowing the diabetes epidemic in Bahrain. Keywords: Bahrain, Primary care physician, Knowledge, Practice, Perception, Prediabetes