Diabetes Mellitus related knowledge of entry-level students of a medical university in UAE

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess diabetes mellitus [DMI]- related knowledge among the entry-level students of Gulf Medical University. A pre-tested questionnaire assessing the knowledge of DM was administered to students in the first semesters of the different programs of GMU. Data collected were transferred to PASW Statistics [Chicago, IL, USA, Version 18] and analyzed. Data collected from 119 students [25% males and 75% males] were included in the analysis. The students demonstrated a very high general knowledge about DM. 72% mentioned that DM is a disease affecting the pancreas, 90% recognized it as a condition of inadequate insulin action, 96% knew that there are several types of DM and insulin is required for the treatment of some diabetic patients and 93% knew that family history is a major risk factor. Knowledge about common symptoms and complications was also high. 92% of the students had the knowledge that DM is a chronic disease related to lifestyle and perceived DM. This level of knowledge was found to be much higher than that of students in a non-healthcare university where only 46% knew about the involvement of the pancreas and 54% related it to inadequate insulin action. Additionally, only 57% knew that there are several types of DM and 67% linked DM to lifestyle. Entry level students [high school level education] from biological stream have a high DM-related knowledge. Their level of knowledge is much higher compared to similar students from a non-healthcare university