RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and learning needs on coronary artery disease in diabetic patients by glycemic control. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 188 patients at the hospital who had diabetes mellitus. Data was obtained using a knowledge and learning needs questionnaire from January to April 2006. RESULTS: Treatment method, the levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG), and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (PP2hr) showed meaningful differences between normo-glycemic group(HbA1c or =7%). The levels of knowledge on coronary artery disease by glycemic control tend to show higher in normo-glycemic group. Etiology and prevention of coronary artery disease were significantly higher in normo- glycemic group than in hyper-glycemic group. The levels of learning needs on coronary artery disease by glycemic control tend to show higher in normo-glycemic group. The learning needs on items of diet control were higher in normo-glycemic group than in hyper-glycemic group. CONCLUSION: On the base of these results, we should focus on the coronary artery disease education for hyper-glycemic group. Also individual coronary artery disease educational program should be developed for the patients with different level of knowledge and learning needs.