Patients’ Knowledge of the Management of Diabetic Mellitus: A Cross-sectional Survey among Patients Attending Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka.

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern, and the incidence is rapidly increasing; specially in lower and middle-income countries. The causative factors are multifactorial, and patients’ awareness of disease management plays a key role in effective disease management. Objective: To assess the patients’ knowledge of the management of DM Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among randomly selected and volunteered 400 adult patients attending diabetic clinics at Colombo South Teaching Hospital, Sri Lanka from January to June 2023. The data were collected using a pre-tested, validated, semi structured questionnaire developed by researchers. Knowledge of the management of DM was assessed by a 15-item Diabetic Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ). Total knowledge was obtained by the sum of items and based on raw values; a 0-100 scale categorical variable was identified. Accordingly, >80, 60-80, and <60 were considered as good, moderate, and poor levels of knowledge, respectively. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25.0 involving descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mean (±SD) age was 58.62±10.10 years. The majority were females (239, 59.8%), married (338, 84.5%), and having a first-degree relationship with diabetes (311, 77.8%). The main information source on disease management was the hospital clinic (259, 64.8%). The indication and appropriate level of HbA1c were identified by (82, 20.9%) and (18, 4.5%) respectively. Also, (193, 48.3%) reported that DM is a curable disease. The correct exercise schedule and its importance were identified by (262, 65.5%) and (248, 43.7%), respectively. Diabetic foot ulcers (184, 46%), and diabetic neuropathy (141, 25.3%) were identified as main complications. Also, (286, 71.5%) identified acute management of hypoglycemia. Only 3.3% had good knowledge (20.5% - moderate, poor - 76.3%) of managing DM. The level of knowledge was associated with the age (p<0.001), income (p<0.001), duration of the DM (p<0.001), gender (p=0.011), residence (p<0.001), ethnicity (p<0.001), religion (p<0.001), education level (p<0.001), occupation (p<0.001), marital status (p=0.002), having first-degree relations of DM (p<0.001), and information source on managing DM (p<0.001). Conclusion: Knowledge of patients on the management of DM was poor. Educational interventions and periodical studies are recommended. Health care workers can play the main role in improving disease management knowledge and mass media and social media also may be effective. Exploring associated factors should be integral to this effort to comprehensively address the challenges surrounding DM management and patient awareness.