Knowledge levels among elderly people with Diabetes Mellitus concerning COVID-19: an educational intervention via a teleservice

Abstract

Aim To investigate knowledge levels concerning COVID-19 in elderly patients with T2DM. Methods This cross-sectional, quantitative, observational, and descriptive study was undertaken among elderly individuals with T2DM involved in a body balance rehabilitation program that had been suspended due to social isolation. The study participants comprised elderly individuals with T2DM, contactable using fixed or mobile telephones. Data concerning participants' socioeconomic variables and knowledge of COVID-19 were collated, using a Brazil Ministry of Health guidelines checklist. Mann-Whitney and Spearman's correlation tests were used to analyze their responses. Results Of 30 elderly participants, 76.7% were women and 63.3% were married. The average age was 69.96 ± 4.46 years. The most cited information medium was television (96.6%). Of a possible 24 correct responses on the checklist, the median correct response score was 7.5. No significant relationship was observed between the total checklist score and the variables studied. Conclusion Elderly participants did not have in-depth knowledge concerning COVID-19, which suggests that their knowledge sources may be deficient or that their capacity to retain information was inadequate.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 pandemic in America: A preliminary systematic review

“…The remaining 172 full-text articles were examined based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, thirteen (13) articles [30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40][41][42] were included in this systematic review. The PRISMA Statement flow diagram, that consisted of four phases i.e.…”

“…Geana, 2020 - [34] Participants had good knowledge about the disease and preventive measures, they were willing to comply with recommendations from local authorities. However social media is not a valuable source for information pertinent to COVID-19.…”

“…Elder people and those with chronic diseases are more vulnerable to complications of infection with COVID-19 [34,38]. According to Wolf et al [42], most elderly people surveyed in the USA (mean age 62.1 years) with at least one chronic condition, perceived the COVID-19 as a serious threat, although one third of them could not identify symptoms or proper measures to prevent infection.…”

“…Around one third of participants assumed social distancing and have requested medical consultation during the outbreak. Elderly people (mean age 69.9 years) with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Brazil were consulted to investigate their knowledge about COVID-19 [34]; the obtained results were unsatisfactory. Participants could not identify the symptoms, routes of transmission or prevention actions against SARS-CoV-2 infection.…”

“…Many authors have pointed out the danger of fake news and misinformation across social media [47][48][49]. The vast majority of citizens worldwide acquire information about COVID-19 through social media without checking the source [22,34,36,50]. It translates into erroneous knowledge, bad attitudes and sometimes in irresponsible behaviors.…”