Evaluation of the Nutritional Knowledge in Relation to Secondary Prevention Among Doctors and Nurses in the Northern of Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Morocco is a country that has been experiencing an epidemiological and health transition characterized by a change in lifestyle and an increase in mortality for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The objective of this study is to evaluate the nutritional knowledge in relation to secondary prevention of doctors and nurses working in the hospital and primary healthcare centers in Morocco. Specific knowledge about nutrition for diabetes, for high blood pressure and high cholesterol, for functional colopathy, for iron deficiency anemia, for vitamin B12 deficiency, for overweight and for hyperuricemia or gout attack were evaluated. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional exploratory study carried out between June and December 2022, using a self-administered questionnaire developed on the basis of similar studies and the several standardized nutrition guides. A random cluster survey included 238 nurses and 131 doctors working in health centers and 234 nurses and 54 doctors working in hospitals. Statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 21.0 software, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the Mann Whitney test, and Spearmen's correlation. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the most significant sociodemographic variables. Results: Among the seven nutritional content areas assessed in this study, we found that among doctors, the nutrition axis for high blood pressure and high cholesterol had the median correct response score of (0.57 interquartile range (IQR) (0.28, 0.71)). The same for nurse, but with the lower scores ((0.28 IQR (0, 0.43)) , (0.28 IQR (0.07, 0.42)) respectively). Our results do not reveal any statistically significant association of the median of total score of answers of both health professionals (nurses or of doctors) with their gender (p=0.383). However, they were significantly associated with basic training (p<0.001), continuous training (p=0.002), receiving information on nutrition (p=0.018), and their age (p=0.016). Conclusions and implications: In conclusion, this study highlighted the major gaps in the nutritional knowledge of doctors and nurses regarding secondary prevention of NCDs. However, they should undergo continuing nutrition education programs to ensure safe and sound nutritional advice not only to patients but also to the public. Furthermore, policymakers should devote systematic efforts to nutrition education during basic training in medical and nursing schools, which will provide doctors and nurses with adequate training.