Clinical Application of Metformin Use in Anhui Province, China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose: Given the importance of metformin, reasonable utilization is essential. We designed a cross-sectional survey on physicians' attitude and clinical application of metformin in Anhui Province, China. Methods: The survey was distributed via an electronic questionnaire among endocrinologists and general practitioners. Seven representative questions were used to evaluate professional levels. Results: Among the 477 valid responses, 72.75% of the respondents preferred to prescribe metformin extended-release, while only 34.38% of them would prescribe metformin extended-release at the correct frequency. More than half of the respondents thought that estimated glomerular filtration rate < 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 should be the contraindication of metformin prescription. Less than 10% of the physicians selected correct responses for two questions regarding metformin usage and contrast agent. Physicians with higher levels of hospital grades, education background and professional titles as well as working in general hospitals and in the Department of Endocrinology achieved high scores (P<0.05). Logistic regression showed that department was an independent predictor for high scores. Conclusion: Physicians, especially non-endocrinologists, are not at a professional level for prescribing metformin. Physicians should be highly vigilant in terms of standardized prescription for metformin. The guidelines or consensuses about diabetes care for physicians should be promoted.