Amani Waheed
Suez Canal University, Egypt
Title: Effect of Medical Nutrition Therapy Training Program in Diabetes Mellitus for Family Physicians at Suez Canal University, Egypt
Biography
Biography: Amani Waheed
Abstract
Background: Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an integral component of diabetes management. Its main goals are to attain and maintain normal blood glucose levels and to prevent and treat the chronic complication of diabetes. Survey studies have revealed that doctors feel uncomfortable advising diabetic patients on the sensitive issue of weight loss and diet. Based on the evidence, it is recommended for all the health professionals working with diabetics to have that required an updated nutritional knowledge and practice skills in order to support the patient in adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Objective: To evaluate the effect of the training program on the family physicians’ knowledge and practice regarding medical nutrition therapy for diabetes mellitus.
Methods: This was a pre-post intervention study. Thirty-five family physician working in family practice centers affiliated to Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt were participating. A structured questionnaire and observation checklist to assess the family physicians' knowledge and practice towards MNT for diabetes mellitus. An MNT training program was conducted by a specialized nutritionist. Knowledge and practice of family physicians regarding MNT in diabetes were evaluated before and after training.
Results: There were highly statistically significant improvements in the physicians’ median scores of knowledge (35%–85%) and practice (20%–70%) regarding pre-post intervention respectively. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between scores of knowledge and practice of family physicians and their qualifications and past training courses.
Conclusion: Knowledge and practice skills regarding medical nutrition therapy for diabetes among family physicians were markedly improved after implementation of the interventional training program.