Assessing the Impact of Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices, and Physician-Patient Communication on Diabetes Management in an Indian Tertiary Care Setting: A Cross-Sectional Study - Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a significant global health challenge, particularly in developing countries like India. Effective management of diabetes requires comprehensive patient education and effective physician-patient communication, alongside medical treatment. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of diabetic patients, and the quality of physician-patient communication in a tertiary care setting in India, and their impact on diabetes management.Methods: In this hospital-based cross-sectional study, 364 patients with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the Medicine Outpatient Department (OPD) at JJ Hospital were enrolled. Data were collected through one-on-one interviews using standardized questionnaires to assess the KAP related to diabetes and the Patient-Doctor Relationship Questionnaire (PDRQ-9). The correlation between KAP scores, physician-patient communication, and glycemic control (measured by HbA1c levels) was analyzed. Results: The majority of participants (82.1%) had Type 2 diabetes, with a significant proportion in the 46-60 years age group. The study revealed average to poor knowledge and practices among patients regarding diabetes management, despite generally positive attitudes. There was a negative correlation
between KAP scores and HbA1c levels, indicating better knowledge, attitudes, and practices were associated with better glycemic control. Physician-patient communication scores were moderate, and improved communication was linked to enhanced self-management practices, including medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and regular glucose monitoring. Conclusion: The study highlights a gap in diabetes knowledge and self-management practices among patients in a tertiary care setting. It underscores the need for targeted educational interventions and the improvement of physician-patient communication to enhance diabetes management. These findings suggest that addressing these factors could lead to better patient outcomes in diabetes care.