Review Article
Sana Kanwal, Tahir Aqeel Ma
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is one of the prevalent chronic diseases that can be managed by life style modification. Disease can be controlled effectively by providing proper knowledge and awareness regarding disease. The lack of knowledge among the patients has been regarded as the major factor in disease propagation. The present study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic patients. Objective: To assess knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic patients at tertiary care hospitals of twin cities of Pakistan. Methodology: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in tertiary health care centers of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Respondents were diabetic patients seeking health care from tertiary care centers. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS. Descriptive statistics and chi square test were applied to determine frequency and association relation between dependent and independent variables. Results: Among 250 patients 159 were male and 91 were female. Diabetes was more prevalent among people of 40-70 years age. Most of the patients were less educated, only few of them were graduates (14.7%). Most of the patients had positive family history of Diabetes (60%). Most of the patients had inadequate knowledge about disease (54%). Only 35% patients knew normal fasting blood glucose level range. Conclusion: Lack of knowledge and awareness about disease was common among diabetic patients which indicated loopholes in patient counseling. The study highlights the need for conducting awareness program regarding diabetes management and lifestyle modification among diabetic patients. Moreover health care providers should be trained to provide effective counseling to diabetic patients.