Assessment of the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Primary Care Physicians Toward Prediabetes in Qassim, Saudi Arabia.

Background Prediabetes is a growing public health concern globally as well as in Saudi Arabia, where early detection and intervention are crucial. Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a pivotal role in the prevention and management of prediabetes. However, gaps in knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) may hinder effective care delivery. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of PCPs toward prediabetes in Qassim, Saudi Arabia, and to explore perceived barriers and potential strategies for improving its management. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 163 PCPs working in primary healthcare centers across Qassim province. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire assessing the awareness of risk factors, diagnostic criteria, management approaches, screening attitudes, and practical behaviors related to prediabetes. Results We found that the mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 3.41/5 (±0.84), 12.84/16 (±1.78), and 3.38/5 (±0.54). The mean knowledge score was significantly higher among family physicians (3.84/5) as compared to general practitioners (2.85/5), p-value <0.001. Urban physicians also scored higher (3.52/5) than their rural counterparts (2.65/5), p-value <0.001. Attitude scores demonstrated a weak but significant correlation with age (r = 0.227, p-value 0.004) and years of experience (r = 0.202, p-value 0.010), while practice scores showed a similar pattern. Gender and location of practice were not significantly associated with practice behaviors. Notably, family physicians exhibited more favorable attitudes than general practitioners (p-value 0.004). The most common barriers in prediabetes management included a lack of patient awareness (96.9%), non-compliance (96.3%), follow-up difficulties (92%), and referral issues (86.5%). Conclusion Although PCPs in Qassim express generally positive attitudes toward prediabetes management, knowledge and practice gaps remain, particularly among general practitioners and those practicing in rural areas. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions, such as mandatory continuing medical education (CME), integration of prediabetes care into routine workflows, and the use of region-specific decision-support tools like red flags in the current EHR system of PHCs. Broader national studies are recommended to validate these findings and guide policy at a systemic level.