Approaches and Awareness of Family Physicians on Diabetes Management
during Ramadan
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to determine the approaches of family physicians
in Turkey on the fasting of diabetic patients and whether they use
international treatment guidelines when making recommendations. In
addition, this study aimed to increase the awareness of family
physicians on this issue before Ramadan, which is the fasting month.
Material and Method: The study herein comprised cross-sectional
observational research. Before Ramadan 2018, a structured questionnaire
form, which was unique to this study, was prepared by considering the
guidelines of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the
American Diabetes Association (ADA), through platforms where family
physicians gathered via social media and mail groups, and sent to the
family physicians in Turkey via a link created using an electronic
questionnaire preparation and application program. Moreover, the total
knowledge level, attitude, and approach score were calculated through
the questions prepared from the relevant guidelines. Results:
Participating in the survey were 262 family physicians. Only 22% of
family physicians said that they were aware that there were
international guidelines for Ramadan and diabetes management, and only
10% said that they had read the relevant guidelines. The mean knowledge
level, attitude, and approach scores were found to be lower than
expected, and a significant difference was found between their scores
and their academic titles. Conclusion: The lack of knowledge of
international guidelines on the subject and lack of knowledge and
experience about diabetes mellitus patient management in the fasting
month stood out as the biggest problems. This study revealed that the
awareness and competence of family physicians in disease management
should be increased in addition to fasting before, during, and after
Ramadan in diabetic patients.