KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT DIABETES AND ITS TREATMENT IN PATIENTS ATTENDING THE SPECIALITY CLINIC

Diabetes mellitus is a prominent healthcare problem in India. Emphasis on self management and active participation of the patients can help reduce its complications. This baseline study was conducted to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice about diabetes and its treatment among patients. A validated self-administered questionnaire was administered to diabetic patients attending the specialty OPD at a tertiary care, teaching hospital. The questions assessed the knowledge, attitude and views about diabetes, its complications and regarding prevention and treatment. Scoring of questions regarding knowledge was done (range 0 to 33). Latest fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels and HbA1C level were also recorded. The data was recorded in a Microsoft Excel 2007 spreadsheet and statistical analysis was done using Graph Pad InStat version 3.06. The study enrolled 200 patients (151 males and 49 females). About 75% patients knew the normal blood sugar levels, symptoms and complications of diabetes. Heart disease was considered to be a major complication and around 70% believed that these complications could be prevented. The mean knowledge score was 12.8±3.3 out of 33. The level of knowledge was better with greater age and duration of diabetes. The attitude of the patients was favourable with majority realizing the importance of lifestyle modifications, uninterrupted treatment and regular follow up. However, few patients actually partook in the lifestyle changes. Attitude of the patients was encouraging but the knowledge and practice was generally lacking among the patients. Motivation and importance of self management patient education regarding drugs, diet and regular exercise is important for decreasing mortality and morbidity due to diabetes.