Disparities in prediabetes knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and practices among physicians

Loayza-Castro J.A.; Zuzunaga-Montoya F.E.; Vásquez Romero L.E.M.; Vera-Ponce V.J. · Revista Cubana de Medicina Militar (2025)

Resumen

Introduction: Prediabetes affects 7.5% of the world's population and 22.4% of Peruvians over 25 years of age. However, 90% of people with prediabetes are unaware of their condition, which underscores the importance of the role of physicians in its detection and management. Objective: To determine and compare the knowledge, beliefs, barriers, and practices about prediabetes in physicians at different levels of care in Peru. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study using a virtual survey of 1,225 Peruvian physicians from July to November 2022. Knowledge, practices, and attitudes about prediabetes were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analysis was performed comparing levels of care. Results: Significant differences in knowledge were observed between levels of care, with better performance in levels II/III in identifying risk factors and diagnostic criteria (p< 0.001). There were no significant differences in initial management, but there were differences in the frequency of follow-up and use of metformin (p< 0.001). Level I physicians reported fewer barriers to lifestyle modification and metformin use (p< 0.001). Conclusions: The differences observed suggest the need for standardized training programs and improved communication between levels of care. The lower perception of barriers at level I could indicate an optimistic view or less awareness of the challenges in implementing interventions. Strategies are needed to improve the detection and management of prediabetes at all levels of care.

Instituciones: Universidad Ricardo Palma; Universidad de San Martín de Porres; Universidad Tecnológica del Perú; Universidad Continental