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Abstract
Background:
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
(GDM) is a common pregnancy-related
condition associated with
adverse maternal and neonatal
outcomes. Primary health care
(PHC) physicians play a critical
role in early detection and
management of GDM.
Aim:
This study aimed to assess
the knowledge, attitudes,
and practices (KAP) of PHC
physicians regarding GDM in
Tabuk City, Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study was
conducted among 102 PHC physicians
working under the Ministry
of Health in Tabuk between
May and December 2024. Data
were collected using a structured,
self-administered questionnaire
covering socio-demographics,
knowledge, attitudes, and
practices related to GDM.
Descriptive statistics and
the Exact Probability Test
were used for data analysis
using SPSS version 28. A 60%
cutoff was used to categorize
knowledge as poor or good.
Results:
The majority of physicians
were aged 30–40 years
and had over five years of
experience. Most (98%) demonstrated
acceptable knowledge of GDM,
with 91.2% achieving a good
overall knowledge score. Female
physicians and those with
higher qualifications were
more likely to have good knowledge.
While 95.1% believed PHC physicians
have an active role in GDM
management, 74.5% found it
difficult to diagnose or manage.
In practice, only
34.3%
had diagnosed GDM cases in
the past year, and most referred
patients to specialists. Significant
associations were found between
knowledge and both qualification
(p = 0.041) and CME attendance
(p = 0.049).
Conclusion:
PHC physicians in Tabuk have
a strong theoretical understanding
of GDM and show positive attitudes
toward its management, though
practical involvement remains
limited. Strengthening training
programs, clarifying clinical
roles, and enhancing referral
systems are recommended to
support effective GDM management
at the primary care level.
Keywords
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
(GDM); Primary Health Care;
Physicians; Knowledge; Attitudes;
Practices; Tabuk; Saudi Arabia;
Screening; Maternal Health;
CME; Referral.
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