BackgroundLifestyle Medicine (LM) is a rapidly expanding discipline that focuses on changing lifestyle factors to prevent, manage, and even reverse chronic diseases like diabetes mellitus. (DM). Despite its clinical significance, limited evidence exists regarding allied healthcare professionals' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) toward LM in diabetes care.ObjectiveThis study evaluated the KAP related to lifestyle medicine among allied healthcare professionals participating in diabetes management in Saudi Arabia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted including 353 allied healthcare providers from various specialties. Data were collected using a self-administered online survey. KAP levels were categorized using a ≥ 70% threshold. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression utilized to identify associations and predictors of good KAP.ResultsOnly 15.9% demonstrated good knowledge of lifestyle medicine, 37.7% showed positive attitudes, and 42.5% reported good practice in diabetes care. Knowledge and practice varied by professional specialization (p p = 0.003 and p = 0.005). In multivariable analyses, professional specialty was the strongest predictor of knowledge and practice, while academic degree independently predicted attitude and practice.ConclusionAllied healthcare professionals demonstrate positive attitudes toward lifestyle medicine, yet gaps remain in knowledge and practice. Professional specialty and academic qualification were key determinants of KAP, underscoring the need for targeted interdisciplinary training. These findings highlight the importance of educational strategies, policy initiatives, and broader adoption of lifestyle medicine in diabetes care locally and globally.
Taha et al. (Tue,) studied this question.