Awareness of diabetes mellitus among diabetic patients in the Gambia: a strong case for health education and promotion

Abstract

BackgroundAwareness of various aspects of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is essential for the prevention, management and control of the disease. However, several studies have consistently shown that awareness of DM in the general population is low. None of these studies, however, was conducted in The Gambia, even though the condition constitutes a major public health problem in the country. In this paper, we assessed the awareness of DM among diabetic patients attending the Medical Out-Patient Department (MOPD) of Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital (RVTH), Banjul.MethodsWe interviewed 200 patients attending the MOPD of RVTH. We used a tool containing questions on patient’s demographic characteristics and awareness of various aspects of DM including general knowledge on DM, causes, complications, management and prevention.ResultsOf the 199 patients who were aware of their condition, only 47% said they knew what DM is. Similarly, 53% of the study participants had no knowledge of the causes of DM and about 50% were not aware of the methods of prevention. 67% knew that DM can result to loss of sight while 46.5% knew that DM can cause poor wound healing. Few respondents knew that DM can lead to kidney failure (13.5%), skin sepsis (12.0%), heart failure (5.5%) and stroke (4.5%). Close to 50% of the respondent did not know how DM can be prevented. Level of education, duration of illness and knowledge of a family member with diabetes were important predictors of knowledge in our study.ConclusionOur study shows that the majority of patients attending the MOPD have poor knowledge on several aspects of DM. Hence, there is need for conscious efforts towards improving the level of awareness through health education and promotion, not limited to the hospital but also within the general population, as part of strategies to prevent, manage and control DM.

Knowledge, attitude and practices about diabetes mellitus and its complications in T2DM patients attending the UHC in Mumbai

“…5 In a study done in Gambia, it was found that 80% diabetics had a diabetic family member but only one third knew that diabetes could be a hereditary disease. 6 In the present study, about two thirds of the study participants had correct knowledge about symptoms of diabetes. Foma et al reported, about three quarters of the studied patients had correct knowledge about the symptoms of diabetes.…”

“…Foma et al reported, about three quarters of the studied patients had correct knowledge about the symptoms of diabetes. 6 The normal level of glucose in the blood was known to about 50.9% of our participants. This was similar to a study done in Omani patients where 57.5% knew the normal blood glucose levels.…”

Awareness and knowledge of diabetes mellitus among diabetic patients in Puducherry, India

“…1 India has a high prevalence of diabetes mellitus and the numbers are increasing every year, estimated to be 79.4 million by the year 2030. 2 Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to lifelong complications associated with increased morbidity and mortality like diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease, it also causes heavy financial burden to the society.…”

“…2 Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to lifelong complications associated with increased morbidity and mortality like diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and cardiovascular disease, it also causes heavy financial burden to the society. 1 Many patients are aware that they have diabetes only when they develop one of its complications. Knowledge of DM can reduce the incidence of complications.…”

“…1,3 Increasing patient knowledge regarding diabetes and its complications would help them to assess their risks, motivate to seek proper care and treatment. Compliance of patients will also increase and thereby it decreases the complications associated with the disease.…”