KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES ON FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS OF ISABELA

This study examines the levels of financial knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among Family Medicine practitioners in the Province of Isabela, Philippines. Financial literacy remains a neglected component in medical training despite the critical role it plays in ensuring the long-term financial health of doctors. This study used a descriptive cross-sectional design, and distributed a validated questionnaire among active members of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFPIsabela), with 17 respondents completing the survey. Demographic analysis showed the majority of participants were female, middle-aged, married, from average-income backgrounds, and with no formal education in finance or business. Survey results revealed a generally “low” level of financial knowledge (mean score: 1.74, “Don’t Know”), suggesting limited understanding of core financial concepts. Attitudes toward financial management were “neutral” (mean score: 3.22), indicating uncertainty or lack of conviction. The financial practices of the respondents showed “average” performance in cash and general management but reported minimal engagement in credit and retirement planning. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted financial education and intervention programs tailored to medical professionals especially those in the rural settings. Enhancing financial literacy among physicians may contribute to more sustainable personal economic outcomes and aligns with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4 and 8). The study calls for the integration of financial management modules in medical education and continued professional development.