Assessment of Awareness, Knowledge and Skills towards Diabetes Mellitus and Its Complications in Coastal South Indian Diabetic Population: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM), is a metabolic disorder with an escalating health problem in India. Diabetes is a growing health concern in India, with half of the population at risk of developing the disorder at certain stages of life. Awareness and knowledge towards diabetes mellitus and its complication is the key to better treatment and control.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the awareness, knowledge and skills of Insulin injection Technique towards diabetes mellitus and its complications in coastal south Indian diabetic population.

Materials and Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 336 subjects. A structured questionnaire was prepared and filed by diabetic patients to assess their knowledge, awareness and skill of Insulin injection Technique. The contents of this questionnaire included general ideas about DM, the importance of Glycemic control, general awareness of diabetes complications, knowledge about insulin and insulin injection techniques, target blood sugar levels, glycemic control in pregnancy, the importance of a diet/diet plan, the importance of physical activity and significance of physician follow up, these were read to the participants in their language of preference.

Results: Nearly half of the population (42%) had poor knowledge, awareness and skill and only 8% of the population had excellent knowledge and awareness toward diabetes mellitus and its complications. Among the study group, 70% of the males had poor knowledge/awareness, 90% were illiterate and 84%, were unemployed had poor knowledge/awareness of diabetics, and among patients with a history of alcohol 88% of the males had poor knowledge/awareness.

Conclusion: The findings from this study revealed a poor knowledge level, awareness and skills towards diabetes mellitus and its complications among the respondents, thus emphasizing the need for awareness among diabetic subjects for better control of diabetes mellitus.