Knowledge and Awareness of Adult Patients and Relatives about Diabetes Mellitus in a Primary Health Care Hospital

Abstract

Introduction: To assess the knowledge & awareness about diabetes mellitus (DM) among the adult patients and accompanying persons attending at Upazilla Health Complex, Tungipara, Gopalganj. Methods and Materials: The study was a cross sectional type of descriptive study. A structured questionnaire for formal face-to-face interview about the family history, symptoms, complications, preventive measures and communicability of DM was administered to the adult patients and accompanying persons attending at the Upazilla Health Complex, Tungipara, Gopalganj. Results: A total of 325 respondents gave their comments for the study. Statistically significant differences observed in the percentage of respondents mentioned diabetes symptoms and risk factors by age, gender and educational status. Those with history of diabetes in the family indicated diabetes symptoms and diabetes risk factors more precisely. The percentage of respondents indicated diabetes complications was higher among males and awareness about diabetes complications increased with the age. Knowledge about diabetes complications was higher among the respondents with educational status ‘graduate and above’. Knowledge about diabetes prevention methods was higher among males. Awareness about diabetes prevention methods increased with age and educational status. Individuals with a history of diabetes in the family were more aware of diabetes prevention methods. Conclusion: Knowledge and awareness of certain aspects of diabetes among the adult patients and accompanying persons attending at the UHC, Tungipara is poor. More health education is needed to address these deficiencies in order to equip them with the knowledge to positively help their community to reduce the burden of DM on society.