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

OBJECTIVE: This study explores physical therapists’ current knowledge, attitudes, and practice toward the management and prevention of diabetes in Saudi Arabia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.