Risk factors, associated health problems, reasons for admission and knowledge profile of diabetes patients admitted in BPKIHS.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to find out the demographic profile, identify the known risk factors, assess the associated health problems, find out the reasons for admission and explore the knowledge profile of the patients admitted with diabetes in medical units of BPKIHS. METHODS: It was hospital based exploratory study conducted among the admitted DM patients during the period of 1-3-2003 to 29-2-2004 in medical units using simple random sampling, which included 35 samples. The data was analysed using Excel and SPSS programme. RESULTS: About 54% subjects were of age group between 40-60 yr., Hindu 85.7%, married 92.9%, and non-vegetarian 75.9 %. About 50% of subjects were on Insulin. About 60.7 % subject had hypertension, 39.3 % had ocular problem, and 25 % had renal problems. Majority of subject (82.1 %) had knowledge about the disease, they were suffering but limited subject had the knowledge about, causes, curability, treatment modalities, diet, and other aspects. CONCLUSIONS: As the knowledge regarding various aspects of DM is very low, there is need for information booklet in Nepali and health education programme among public will be very beneficial.