KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES (KAP) OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS IN KARACHI REGARDING THE MANAGEMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH THEIR PERCEIVED ROLE CONFIDENCE

Abstract

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of physiotherapists in Karachi and their perceived role confidence in managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). A sample of 100 licensed physiotherapists was recruited using a purposive-convenience approach, and data was collected via a structured, self-administered questionnaire. The results revealed a significant, moderate positive correlation between the composite KAP score and perceived role confidence (r = 0.48, p < .001). Further analysis identified a "know-do" gap, where participants demonstrated high theoretical knowledge but a moderate level of clinical application, with the practice domain showing the strongest individual correlation with confidence (r = 0.61, p < .001). Furthermore, perceived role confidence was significantly higher among physiotherapists with more than five years of clinical experience and those possessing post-graduate diabetes certifications. The findings underscore that confidence is not merely a product of knowledge but is critically dependent on the successful translation of that knowledge into clinical practice. This study concludes that targeted interventions, such as advanced practical workshops and mentorship programs focused on real-world application, are essential to enhance role confidence and optimize the contribution of physiotherapists within the multidisciplinary diabetes care team in Pakistan.