Knowledge and Perception of Diabetes and Available Services among Diabetic Patients in the State of Qatar

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes is a major public health concern in Qatar. This study examined diabetes knowledge and perception of available services for diabetes control among diabetic patients in Qatar.Methods: Data from 300 diabetic patients were collected through face-to-face interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire between February and May 2015 at Hamad Medical Corporation healthcare facilities in Qatar. Survey responses were represented as frequencies, and Chi-square tests were used to compare proportions across gender. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: 31% of patients had Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) (females 36.6%, males 26.5%) and 54% had Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) (males 56.6%, females 50%). Knowledge about diabetes types did not differ by sex (P=0.16). 32.3% of patients were treated for diabetes-related complications including: high cholesterol (39.2%), vision problems (33.1%), hypertension (30.0%), and foot problems (25.1 %). Most patients were diagnosed at primary care clinics (41.7%). During visits, 78.3% of patients reported that they were fully advised about different diabetes tests. 57.0% of patients had ≥4 visits for diabetes checkups in the past 12 months. 66.7% of patients reported that they were confident or very confident in managing their diabetes as a result of their healthcare visits in the past year. The majority of patients reported receiving diabetes-related guidance from physicians (89.7%).Conclusions: Study participants had variable knowledge of diabetes, its complications and risk factors, and services available to diabetics. More comprehensive education and awareness about diabetes is recommended for both patients and family members. At the provider level, further improvement in patient counseling and promotion of available services can be beneficial.

Level of knowledge, attitude and practice towards diabetes among nationals and long-term residents of Qatar: a cross-sectional study

“…A number of diabetes-related epidemiological studies were conducted in the State of Qatar during the past 5 years 12–16. The current study, however, is the first to assess KAP from a nationwide survey of 2400 respondents from the general public consisting of Qatar nationals and long-term residents aged 18 years old and above regarding the level of KAP on various facets of diabetes.…”

Prevalence and management of diabetic neuropathy in secondary care in Qatar

“…However, the prevalence of undiagnosed DN and those at risk of diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) remains alarmingly high, despite the 5‐year mortality of people with a diabetic foot ulcer being higher than many common cancers . Indeed in Qatar, 25% of patients attending secondary care were being seen for foot problems …”

Prevalence and risk factors for diabetic neuropathy and painful diabetic neuropathy in primary and secondary healthcare in Qatar

“…It highlights the considerable need to educate both patients and physicians on DPN and pDPN 41 . This might explain why up to 25% of patients with diabetes in SHC in Qatar have foot problems 16 . Currently, DPN is not assessed systematically, even using the 10‐g monofilament, which in itself identifies only those with advanced neuropathy 1 .…”

“…We have recently reported that approximately 80% of patients with DPN 9 and pDPN 2 have not previously been diagnosed in hospital clinics in secondary health care (SHC) in Qatar, which might lead to late presentation with DFU. Indeed, in Qatar it has been reported that 25% of patients with diabetes in SHC have foot problems 16 . This has serious consequences given that one in four patients with DFU is at risk of amputation 5 , and the 5‐year mortality of people with a DFU is higher than many common cancers 17 .…”