Diabetes knowledge among patients with diabetes mellitus at King Hussein Hospital

ABSTRACT

To assess Diabetes Knowledge among patients with Diabetes mellitus at King Hussein Hospital. This study was conducted at King Hussein Hospital. Descriptive research design during the period between September 2010 to October 2010, was used to recruit a convenient sample of 100 hospitalized adult patients with Diabetes mellitus. Data was collected through face-to-face interview using the Brief Diabetes Knowledge Test [Fitzgerald et al, 1998]. This test is composed of 23 multiple choice questions that assess General Knowledge and Insulin Knowledge as well as Total score for Total knowledge. Simple descriptive statistics [frequency, mean, percentage] was used to describe the study variables One hundred diabetic patients participated in this study [50 men and 50 women]. Their age ranged from 19 to 86 years [mean +/- SD 57.8 +/- 10.9 years]. The majority [90%] were married. The overall scores of the total sample were low; Total knowledge was [49.8 +/- 13.4]; General Diabetes Knowledge was [54 +/- 14] and Insulin Knowledge was [43 +/- 19.6]. Men scored higher than women in the total Knowledge [52.9 vs. 46.7]; General Diabetes Knowledge [56.8 vs. 51.1]; and Insulin Knowledge [46.9 vs. 39.8]. Moreover, there were no differences found between patients with type 1 and type 2 Diabetes in study group. Diabetic patients in this study had Diabetes Knowledge deficit about their disease, which in turn will limit their involvement in the management of the disease