Awareness of primary health care physicians toward musculoskeletal complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objectives To assess the level of awareness among primary health care physicians toward musculoskeletal complications among type 2 diabetic patients in Gharbia Governorate, Egypt. Background Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem worldwide. Most diabetic patients will develop functional disabilities owing to multiple factors, including musculoskeletal manifestations. Musculoskeletal complications related to diabetes are common and can lead to severe morbidity. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 175 primary health care physicians. All participants were interviewed using a predesigned questionnaire regarding personal data; socio-economic level; and knowledge, practices, and attitude toward musculoskeletal complications among type 2 diabetic patients. Results Approximately 61% of the physicians had satisfactory knowledge about musculoskeletal complications among type 2 diabetic patients. There is a significant relation between level of knowledge and number of patients attended per day (P = 0.005). Regarding the practices of physicians, 84% of physicians had nonsatisfactory practice level. Nearly two-thirds of the physicians had a positive attitude toward musculoskeletal complications of type 2 diabetes. Conclusion This study explored several aspects about musculoskeletal complications of type 2 diabetes related to knowledge, attitude, and practice among general practitioners and family physicians and revealed improved knowledge, positive attitude, but unsatisfactory practice.