Knowledge and Practice on Prevention of Complications of Diabetes Mellitus among Patients with Diabetes in a Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

IntroductionDiabetes is a major contributing factor for overall health status, morbidity, mortality and quality of life. Adequateknowledge and sufficient practice can prevent many possible diabetic complications. Hence, the objective ofthis study was to find out the knowledge and practice regarding prevention of complications of diabetes amongdiabetic patients.MethodsA descriptive, cross sectional design was carried out in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital Kathmandu (TUTH).A total 124 diabetic patients who came for follow-up in endocrine Out Patient Department were selected throughpurposive sampling technique by using pre-tested structured interview schedule during four weeks. Data wasanalyzed by using the descriptive and inferential statistics with the help of Statistical Package of Social Science(SPSS) version 16.ResultsThe study findings showed that 24.2% respondents had adequate knowledge about complications . Morethan half of the respondents had sufficient practice (52.4%) regarding prevention of diabetic complications.Association between knowledge and selected variables showed that sex and education level tends to besignificantly associated and regarding practice, area of residence and duration of illness were significantlyassociated (p<0.05). There was a statistically significant (p<0.001) and average positive relationship (r=0.605)was found between knowledge and practice.ConclusionThe study concluded that though only few respondents had adequate knowledge, more than half of therespondents had sufficient practice regarding preventing complications. This finding suggests awarenessprogram regarding prevention of compilcations of diabetes mellitus should be launched periodically to increaseknowledge and sufficient practice on prevention of diabetic complications.KeywordsDiabetic complications, diabetes mellitus, knowledge, practice