The Knowledge, Attitudes and Current practices of Malaysian Physiotherapists in Preventing and Managing Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a lifestyle disease that affects 463 million of adults worldwide. In Malaysia, DM especially Type 2 DM (T2DM) has an alarming increasing trend. Physiotherapy has been demonstrated to be effective in preventing and managing T2DM. Hence, a Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) survey is conducted to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and current practices of Malaysian physiotherapists in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods: Malaysian physiotherapists were recruited to answer a KAP survey. The survey contained 44 items in four domains: demographics and education, attitudes and beliefs, current practices, and knowledge of diabetes. A descriptive analysis was completed for all the response variables from the survey. Results: 297 practicing physiotherapists in Malaysia predominantly from Kuala Lumpur and Selangor were recruited. The participants generally had a moderate knowledge in T2DM care, in which a lack of hypoglycaemia management knowledge was noticed. A great proportion of respondents was not confident in key aspects T2DM care. Even though 76.73% of respondents agreed that T2DM fall under physiotherapy scope of practice, only 55.22% provided counselling on T2DM prevention and management. A lack in practice of blood glucose testing and monitoring was also noticed in most of the respondents. A discrepancy between respondents’ self-efficacy and knowledge was observed, in which a proportion of respondents were confident in providing T2DM care but lacked the relevant knowledge. Conclusion: This study identified gaps in knowledge, attitude and practice on T2DM care by Malaysian Physiotherapists. Measures to close the gaps are therefore recommended.