Author(s): ESKANDARANI, D., KIRK, A., LENNON, M., ALWEQAYYAN, A. , Institution: UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE, Country: UNITED KINGDOM, Abstract-ID: 666

Introduction
Diabetes mellitus, particularly type 2 diabetes (T2D), continues to be a significant public health concern worldwide, presenting a considerable burden on healthcare systems. One crucial aspect of managing diabetes involves the promotion of physical activity (PA) among individuals with the condition. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in promoting PA within diabetes care. Understanding healthcare professionals knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards PA is essential for developing targeted interventions for T2D patients. This study aims to assess the KAP of healthcare professionals towards PA recommendation and promotion in diabetes care within public primary health care in Kuwait.
Methods
A national quantitative cross-sectional survey was conducted among healthcare professionals working at primary healthcare centres in Kuwait between the 13th of December 2023 and 31st of January 2024. The data collection tool was an online 36-item self-administered questionnaire which was validated in a pilot study. The respondents’ overall KAP was categorized using the modified Bloom’s cut-off point as high (80-100%), moderate (60-79%) and low (<60%) knowledge.
Results
Out of the total 294 healthcare professionals who consented to participate in the survey, 250 were included for analysis as they were either partially or fully completed. Most participants were female, comprising 64% (n=161) of the respondents. The most prevalent specialty among the respondents was family physicians (n=97; 39%). A significant proportion of healthcare professionals (65%; n= 125), demonstrated awareness of PA guidelines for patients with T2D. Regarding overall knowledge levels, 41% (n=80) of participants exhibited a moderate level of knowledge, while 29% (n=56) displayed a low level of knowledge. However, the overall mean score for attitude was 4.1 out of 5 (82%) indicating a positive attitude. In terms of practice, the average score was 3.7 out of 5 (74%), suggesting an average level of adherence to recommended practices. There was a statistically significant difference amongst specialization categories in terms of knowledge (p = 0.043), attitude (p = 0.040), and practice scores (p = 0.001).
Conclusion
Overall, healthcare professionals who participated in this study displayed moderate levels of knowledge, positive attitudes, and an average practice of PA promotion. While this study sheds light on healthcare professionals KAP regarding PA promotion within diabetes care, further research is needed to identify barriers and facilitators in primary care settings. Understanding these factors will be crucial in developing tailored interventions to effectively promote PA among individuals with T2D in Kuwait, ultimately improving their management and overall health outcomes.