A survey of 265 endocrinology medical staff revealed significant knowledge gaps about liraglutide and semaglutide, with better knowledge strongly linked to better prescribing attitudes and practices.
Knowledge score: 73.6%Endocrinology specialists scored an average of 11.77 out of 16 on liraglutide/semaglutide knowledge, revealing gaps even among the physicians most likely to prescribe these drugs.
What the researchers found
Among 265 endocrinology medical staff surveyed, the average knowledge score was 11.77 out of 16 (73.6%), the attitude score was 39.30 out of 50 (78.6%), and the practice score was 27.70 out of 35 (79.1%). While these scores are above midpoint, they indicate meaningful gaps in professional proficiency with these commonly prescribed medications.
Structural equation modeling revealed strong causal pathways: knowledge significantly influenced both attitude (β = 0.976, P < 0.001) and practice (β = 1.289, P < 0.001), while attitude also significantly affected practice (β = 0.627, P < 0.001). This confirms that improving knowledge is the most effective lever for improving prescribing behavior.
Why it matters
GLP-1 receptor agonists are among the fastest-growing drug classes in medicine, yet this study shows that even endocrinology specialists — the doctors most likely to prescribe them — have significant knowledge gaps. As these medications expand into obesity treatment and cardiovascular protection, ensuring healthcare providers have thorough, up-to-date knowledge is critical for patient safety and optimal outcomes.
How the study worked
This was a cross-sectional study conducted from September to December 2023 at the First People's Hospital of Jiujiang, China. Endocrinology medical staff completed a self-administered questionnaire assessing their knowledge (scored 0–16), attitudes (scored 10–50), and practices (scored 7–35) regarding liraglutide and semaglutide. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the relationships between knowledge, attitude, and practice.
What this study cannot tell us
This was a single-center study at one hospital in China, limiting generalizability to other healthcare systems and countries. Self-reported questionnaires may be subject to social desirability bias, and actual knowledge and practice could differ from what respondents report. The study did not compare knowledge levels between different specialties or between doctors and nurses. Cultural and healthcare system differences mean findings may not apply directly to Western medical settings.
How to read the evidence
This is a single-center cross-sectional survey study. While the sample size of 265 is reasonable and the use of structural equation modeling adds rigor, cross-sectional surveys provide a snapshot in time and cannot establish causation. The single-center design limits generalizability.
When this study was published
Published in 2025 with data from late 2023, this is a very current study reflecting the state of GLP-1RA knowledge during the period of their most rapid adoption.
The bigger picture
The explosive growth of GLP-1 receptor agonist prescribing has outpaced medical education in many settings. This study adds to growing evidence that continuing education programs need to keep pace with the rapid expansion of these drugs' indications — from diabetes to obesity to cardiovascular and kidney protection. Knowledge gaps among specialists could be even larger among primary care providers who are increasingly prescribing these medications.
Questions still open
- How do knowledge gaps about GLP-1RAs among endocrinology specialists compare to those among primary care providers who increasingly prescribe these drugs?
- What specific aspects of liraglutide and semaglutide knowledge are most deficient, and how should continuing education programs be targeted?
- Do similar knowledge gaps exist in other countries, or is this specific to the Chinese healthcare context?
Common questions
Why does it matter if endocrinology staff have knowledge gaps about these drugs?
What can be done to improve healthcare provider knowledge about GLP-1 drugs?
Read the original research
Knowledge, attitude and practice toward liraglutide and semaglutide among endocrinology medical staff.
Scientific reports, 15(1), 11533
Citation
Liu, Bingling; Wu, Xueyi; Zou, Xiao; Sheng, Jianjian; Yu, Jie. (2025). Knowledge, attitude and practice toward liraglutide and semaglutide among endocrinology medical staff.. Scientific reports, 15(1), 11533. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-96545-y