Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Family Physicians Regarding Pre-travel Counseling for Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Traveling has become an important part of Saudi people's lives. Those diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) encounter various challenges during travel that can adversely affect glycemic control. Studies have highlighted critical gaps in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of family medicine physicians in Saudi Arabia regarding pre-travel counseling for patients with type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to assess the KAP of family medicine physicians regarding pre-travel counseling for patients with T2DM.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted among family physicians working in primary healthcare centers and hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from December 2024 to June 2025. A convenience sampling technique was used to recruit participants. Data were collected through a validated self-administered questionnaire, and appropriate statistical tests were used to perform univariate analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 277 family physicians from Riyadh participated in the study, comprising 52.3% male and 47.7% female physicians. The majority (74.0%) were 30 years or younger. Most participants were residents (62.5%), followed by consultants (19.1%) and registrars (18.4%). Regarding years of experience, 79.1% had 0-5 years of experience. The mean knowledge score was 2.04 (SD = 0.399), with 68.2% of physicians demonstrating knowledge about diabetes and travel. Higher knowledge scores were observed among consultants compared to registrars and residents. In practice, 54.9% estimated seeing 20-40 diabetes patients per week, but 60.6% reported that patients rarely asked for travel advice. Most consultations lasted 5-15 minutes (34.3%). Only 32.1% physicians were aware of travel safety recommendations, and 16.2% felt confident in adjusting insulin doses across time zones.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, our findings position Riyadh physicians within a broader regional pattern of moderate knowledge, supportive attitudes, and suboptimal practices regarding pre-travel diabetes care.