World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

THE ROLE OF FAMILY PHYSICIANS IN PREVENTING NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES THROUGH LIFESTYLE COUNSELING

Rawaa Albaloushi*, Shahad K. Shah, Dania Raffa, Dr. Rayan Jubeihi, Amjad Alsharif, Hatoon Mashikhi, Rawan Albaloushi, Lara Alotaibi, Mohammed Alsalman, Amal N. Alshammari, Samahir Ibrahim

ABSTRACT

The study examined the role of family physicians in prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through lifestyle counseling in Saudi Arabia. The investigators...cross-sectional design...collected data from patients across various regions, 200 in total. Study issues included frequency of lifestyle counseling, topics discussed, behavioral and clinical outcomes, barriers to providing counseling, and factors influencing adherence. Results showed 56.5% of clients were given lifestyle counseling, with diet and exercise being the most common topics. Offering the counseling was significantly associated with an increase in physical activity, in dietary behaviors, and with reductions in BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, blood cholesterol, and fasting blood sugar levels (p < 0.05). Barriers to counseling delivery and adherence included a lack of time and training. Socioeconomic status, physician training, and frequency of counseling were important predictors of adherence. These findings highlight the need to support family physicians with training and health system restructuring to reinforce preventive care efforts against NCDs at the primary health care level.

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