Assessment of Levels of knowledge, attitude and practice about diabetes mellitus (DM), its complications and self-management of diabetic patients in AlKharj city, Saudi Arabia

Background: Levels of knowledge, attitude and practice about diabetes mellitus (DM), its complications and self-management in AlKharj city are unknown despite the high prevalence of DM in Saudi Arabia. Objectives: To assess type 2 diabetic patients knowledge, attitude and practice regarding diabetes and its complications, particularly ocular and self-management. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted included diabetic patients (type 2) over 20 years old,who attended the outpatient clinics at selected primary health care centers,king khalid and university hospitals at Al-Kharj throughout the period from September 1st to November 30, 2013. A questionnaire included questions designed to assess patients’ general understanding of DM, its complications and management options as well as their attitude towards diabetes and its management and their practices in this regard was used. Results: The study included 393 type 2 diabetic patients. One-hundred sixty three patients (41.5%) were in the age group (40-59) years. Slightly more than half of them (51.9%) were males. More than half of respondents (57%) had average knowledge while only 17% had poor knowledge and 26% had good knowledge regarding fundamental aspects of DM and its management. Almost a fifth (19.1%) of type 2 diabetic patients never been examined by ophthalmologist. Conclusion: In this study, type 2 diabetic subjects in AlKharj city had a significant knowledge of DM and its management. However, there was a clear gap between their knowledge and practice regarding ocular complications. These results highlight the need for educational and awareness programmes that reinforces the need for regular eye examinations.