Knowledge, attitude, and practices related to diabetes among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Tshepong Hospital

Authors

Keywords:

diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, knowledge, attitude, practice

Abstract

Background: Despite advancements in pharmacological treatments for diabetes mellitus (DM), the significance of adequate knowledge, a positive attitude, and proper self-care practices among individuals with DM cannot be overstated.

Aim: This study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) related to diabetes among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 161 patients with T2DM at Tshepong Hospital over five months. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to evaluate their KAP. Glycaemic control was assessed using the most recent glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). Data were analysed descriptively using means (standard deviation), frequencies, and correlation statistics.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 55.94 ± 14 years, with females comprising 59% of the sample. Scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were 57 ± 17%, 94 ± 9%, and 40 ± 10%, respectively. No correlation was found between KAP and sociodemographic or clinical characteristics. A significant but weak positive correlation was identified between knowledge and practice (r = 0.19391, p-value 0.013). There was no association between composite KAP scores and glycaemic control. Poor glycaemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%) was observed in 86.34% of participants.

Conclusion: The study indicates that a positive attitude alone is insufficient for effective self-care practices, due to poor knowledge. The absence of a significant relationship between KAP and participants’ characteristics suggests the presence of other unexplored confounding factors. Further research is needed to identify these determinants of KAP.

Author Biographies

U Maduemezia, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

E Variava, University of the Witwatersrand

Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand and Department of Internal Medicine, Klerksdorp/Tshepong Hospital Complex, South Africa

T Moloantoa, University of the Witwatersrand

Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

P Abraham, University of the Witwatersrand

Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

B Rambau, University of the Witwatersrand

Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

TS Ndaba, University of the Witwatersrand

Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU), Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

S Bhana, University of the Witwatersrand

Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa

R Daya, University of the Witwatersrand

Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of the Witwatersrand and Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Helen Joseph Hospital, South Africa

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Published

2024-12-09

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Original Research