Awareness and Adherence to the Guideline-Directed Medical Therapy for Treatment of Diabetes Among Physicians in Aden, Yemen: A Nationwide Survey

Abstract

This study examines the awareness and adherence of physicians in Aden, Yemen, to national diabetes management guidelines, focusing on the challenges affecting implementation. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in July 2023 with 115 physicians from various hospitals in Aden, Yemen. The survey explored physicians' familiarity with the guidelines, the frequency of their review, and perceived obstacles to adherence. The sample comprised 70 male (60.9%) and 45 female (39.1%) physicians, with most working in urban hospitals (73.9%). The majority (91.3%) were aged 60 or younger, and 56.5% were specialists, including endocrinologists and internal medicine physicians. The findings revealed that 68% of physicians were aware of the guidelines, with 93% adhering to them for most patients. A significant 67% felt the guidelines improved patient outcomes, and 75% were confident in implementing them. However, 77% of respondents faced barriers to full implementation, such as limited resources, patient non-compliance, and insufficient training. Despite high awareness, adherence was hindered by these challenges. The study underscores the need for better resource allocation, targeted educational initiatives, and ongoing professional development to enhance adherence to diabetes management guidelines and improve patient care outcomes in Yemen.