Areas of diabetes knowledge needs among Type 2 Diabetics in an urban primary care setting

Abstract

Background: Knowledge is the greatest weapon in the fight against diabetes mellitus. Information can help people assess their risk of diabetes, motivate them to seek proper treatment and care, and inspire them to take charge of their disease.Objective: This study set out to find out the diabetes educational needs of adult type 2 diabetics receiving care in a primary care setting. Methods: The study was a survey of two hundred consenting type 2 diabetics receiving care at the general outpatient department of Bingham University Teaching Hospital. Socio-demographic, clinical and diabetes knowledge score data were obtained with standardized questionnaires from all the study participants. The data was collated and analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software 17.0. Results were presented as statistical means and frequencies. Results: Overall, 41(28.9%) passed the diabetes knowledge test. The need for education about target blood glucose was identified by 59% of the study group, dietary choices in 53% of the study group, the need for education on foot care was identified by 42% of the entire study group, and the need for education about weight loss identified in 39% of the study group. Conclusion: The findings of this study identified knowledge of target blood glucose levels as the greatest educational need of type 2 diabetics studied. It also showed a poor knowledge of diabetes in the study group.