ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE TOWARD DIABETIC PATIENTS IN RIYADH CITY, 2016.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global public health problem. he prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing and the number of persons with the disease will double by 2025. The management of diabetes mellitus (DM) largely depends on patients' ability to self-care in their daily lives, and therefore, patient education is always considered an essential element of DM management. Studies have consistently shown that improved glycemic control reduces the rate of complications and evidence suggests that patients, who are knowledgeable about DM self-care, have better long term glycemic control. Objectives: To assess the level of awareness, Attitude And Practice toward diabetes in Riyadh city to identify barriers. Methods: A cross sectional analytical questionnaire based study among the general population in Riyadh city. This study (2016) was carried out among a sample of 461 subjects. The mean age of citizens was 28,82. To assess citizens? demographic factors and beliefs about diabetes consenting citizens completed an anonymous online questionnaire. The data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: The sample is consisted of 65,8% women and 34,2% men. Among the respondents 7,7% reported suffering from diabetes and 13,6% confirmed having a history of diabetes illness in their family. The results of the study showed that 153 (34,8%) subjects had weak knowledge related to the disease, 260 (59,1%) subjects had average level of knowledge while only 27 (6,1%) subjects had good knowledge regarding diabetes. There was a statistical significant association between gender, educational level and the level of awareness about diabetes. Conclusion: diabetes is a chronic disease that is potentially controllable but that cannot be cured. Education still be important overall the treatment of the patients.