Patients' knowledge on diabetes mellitus, its complications, medication, risk factors and lifestyle modification in Maiduguri - City, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: The knowledge, attitude and practices of patients which may influence the treatment outcomes are often given poor attention.

Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the study was to assess gaps in patients' knowledge about diabetes mellitus, the information conveyed to them by health care professionals as well as their compliances to lifestyle modification, medical and medication instructions.

Materials and Method: Cross-sectional and prospective design through questionnaire was adopted for the study. Information regarding demographic data; medical and social history of the patients, the knowledge about diabetes; dietary intake; exercise; diabetic complication; glucose measurement and medication were obtained. Oral interviews were used to enhance information collection in those with low literacy levels.

Results: The proportion of patients with knowledge on diabetes as a disease, benefits of exercise and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus were 78.9%, 70.6% and 68.9% respectively. The knowledge in other areas are high cholesterol levels (22.8%), cigarette smoking(30.6%), alcohol intake (26.1%), ocular complications (42.8%), foot care(38.3%), sugar in urine (45.0%), medication side effects (37.2%), comorbid diseases (46.7%), ocular complications (42.8%) and high blood pressure (43.5%). The ability to recognise signs of hyperglycaemia and hypoglycaemia were 90.6% and 30.0% respectively. Only about 18.3%, 24.4% and 38.3% regularly check their cholesterol, eye and foot respectively. About 86.1%, 92.8%, 91.7% and 75.3% respectively check blood pressure, sugar levels, and compliant with medication and dietary schedules.

Conclusion: The proportions of patients having knowledge in areas of exercise, diabetes as disease and problems of poorly controlled DM were above average while those having knowledge on lifestyle modifications or risk factors (cigarette smoking, alcohol intake, high BP and high cholesterol levels), ocular complication, foot care and sugar in urine were below average. Majority of patients have received information or education on high glucose levels in the blood and urine, medication compliance, exercise, dietary issues and food schedule but information on low sugar levels, shoes to wear/foot care and glucose home monitoring were lacking in majority of patients. The ability to recognise the signs/symptoms of hyperglycaemia, compliances with medication, regular exercise, and dietary compliances were generally high. Many patient-focused areas of care need improvement upon in the care of the diabetes patients.