Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Family Physicians to Prevent Childhood Obesity in PHC

Background: Childhood overweight and obesity remain major public health concerns, and primary health care (PHC) family physicians are strategically positioned to deliver early identification, counseling, and referral. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of family physicians working in PHC in Saudi Arabia regarding prevention of childhood obesity, and to identify perceived barriers and associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 160 family physicians at PHC settings (PSMMC). Sociodemographic characteristics and responses to knowledge/attitude and practice items were summarized descriptively, and overall KAP categories were derived (Low/Moderate/High). Associations between demographics and KAP category were examined using chi-square tests, with false-discovery rate adjustment, and a binary logistic regression model was used to explore predictors of High KAP (vs Low/Moderate) after collapsing sparse categories. Results: Participants were predominantly aged 20–29 years (54.4%), and just over half were male (53.1%); residents constituted the largest professional group (58.8%). Self-rated knowledge was most commonly “good” (50.6%) and “excellent” (21.3%), and confidence in identifying and managing obesity was high (45.0% very confident; 41.3% somewhat confident). Overall, the mean KAP score was 9.5 ± 2.2, and 45.0% were classified as having High KAP. Practice gaps were notable: 48.1% screened children for obesity at least annually, while 20.0% reported never screening; BMI alone was the most commonly used screening method (≈49%). The leading perceived barriers were limited access to healthy food and physical-activity options (38.8%), lack of parental awareness (33.8%), and insufficient time/resources for counseling (21.9%). Physician level showed a significant bivariate association with KAP category (p = 0.036), but no predictors were statistically significant in the adjusted logistic regression model. Conclusion: These findings indicate moderately favorable KAP with important implementation gaps, underscoring the need for strengthened PHC workflows, guideline-based tools, and family-centered support to improve routine prevention.