Knowledge, Attitudes, and Screening Practices for Diabetic NeuropathyAmong General Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study in Pakistan

Authors

Abstract

Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and screening practices of general practitioners (GPs) regarding diabetic neuropathy and identify barriers to guideline implementation in primary care settings.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to December 2024 across Pakistan's public and private outpatient services. A total of 100 licensed GPs involved in diabetic patient care participated in the survey. Data were collected using a validated structured questionnaire and analyzed by using SPSS version 25. Responses were reported as frequencies and associations were calculated using a chi-square test with p < 0.05 taken as significant.

Results

  Out of 100 participants, 56 scored in the Poor/Fair category, 36 scored Moderate, and only 8 scored Good in the knowledge domain. Routine screening was reported by 46% of respondents; most relied on history and physical examination rather than standardized tools. A significant association was found between screening practices and any formal training (p = 0.002), but not with age or duration of clinical practice.

Conclusion

 The findings of this study show the gaps in the knowledge and screening practices of GPs. Routine screening reported by less than 50% of the participants, reliance on informal methods, and inconsistent documentation raise concerns, highlighting an urgent need for targeted educational interventions and reinforcement of screening practices.

Keywords:

Diabetic neuropathy, general practitioners, primary care physicians, screening practices, knowledge, diabetes complications

Published

2026/03/04

Issue

Vol. Volume 7-issue 1

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