Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Diabetes Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients in Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study

Following fast increase in the incidence of type 2 diabetes among Iranians, diabetes self-care activities are important. This cross-sectional study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding diabetes among 100 Iranian type 2 diabetics (61 female, 39 male) aged between 37 to 66 years, attending the out-patient Diabetes Clinic at Golestan Hospital, Ahvaz, Iran. A face-to-face interview was done and a validated knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire was used to determine knowledge, attitude and practices of diabetes patients. The mean duration of diabetes among patients was 4.05 ± 1.4 years. Fifty three percent of patients had good glycemic control (HbA1c level (=<7%)). The results showed that attitude related to diabetes was acceptable in the majority; while knowledge and self-care practices were insufficient. The overall mean (± SD) score of the knowledge, attitude and practice of patients based on KAP questionnaire was in medium level (17.37± 2.23) in which total maximum possible score was 29. KAP score was low for 9 % of patients. There was significant association between low level of education (primary) or not having formal education with poor KAP score about diabetes compare to higher level of education [illiterate: OR=2.6, 95% CI= (0.23-30.80), primary: OR=0.23, 95% CI= (0.43-1.27), P<0.05]. While there was no significant association between the KAP scores and HbA1c level. As the consequence of low awareness of diabetes among patients affects their ability of self-care management and lead to negative impact on outcome of diabetes. Patients need to be educated on how to prevent diabetes complications. Health care providers should promote self-care activities in the process of diabetes education.