Knowledge, Attitude and Practice regarding Diabetes among Diabetes Patients at a Tertiary Teaching Hospital in Nepal

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease which is prevalent all over the world. Its burden has immensely increased in the last two decades. The problem in young people is equally worrisome. Its number in Nepal is estimated to reach 6,38,000 by the year 2025. Many lifestyle and environmental factors have contributed to its rapid rise. It has several microvascular and macrovascular along with systemic complications. There is lack of public awareness on diabetes in our communities. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitude and practice about diabetes among diabetic patients.

Methods: This study was conducted in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital General Practice OPD. All the diabetic cases attending to OPD were taken for a sample size of 120. Diabetic cases were followed and informed written consent was taken from each patient. All statistical tests were performed using 0.05 as level of significance.

Results: Among 120 study patients, 59.16% were male and 40.83% were female. Majority of cases belonged to 41-60 years. More male (40.83%) were literate than female (10%). Knowledge regarding dryness of mouth, urinary frequency, kidney failure as complication, effect of high blood pressure, blood pressure measurement, foot care and exercise was 36.67%, 19.17%, 47.5%, 73.33%, 85%, 19.17% and 43.33% respectively. Practice of diet plan was found in 56.67%. Practice of blood pressure monitoring and eye checkup at an interval of one month was 30% and 20% respectively whereas 41.67% had never had their eye checkup. Compliance to antidiabetic medicines was found in 71.66%. Knowledge on exercise among age group (P=0.032), knowledge on effects of high blood pressure among male and female (P=0.009) as well as literacy among male and female (P=<0.001) were found statistically significant.

Conclusion: This study shows that patient’s knowledge about foot care and practice of diet plan was not appreciable. Patient’s attitude and practice about diabetes was also not significant. Diabetes health knowledge need to be improved for better health promotion.