Fear of hypoglycaemia among insulin-treated Hong Kong Chinese patients: implications for diabetes patient education

This study investigated fear of hypoglycaemia among insulin-treated Chinese patients in Hong Kong. The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. Using structured-interviews, the authors collected data from 120 insulin-treated adults attending a diabetes centre. Results showed that although hypoglycaemic attacks were generally mild, they were common amongst one-third of patients. Fear was predominantly low, however 15% of respondents reported high fear. In addition, fear correlated positively with time since insulin-treatment, frequency of hospitalization due to hypoglycaemia, and frequency of hypoglycaemia affecting working life. Results also showed that although all respondents were insulin-treated, 40% had undesirable metabolic control. No statistically significant differences were found between the respondents' rating of adequacy of their diabetes knowledge among three groups of respondents who had completed, defaulted or were attending an education programme. Implications for diabetes patient education and further study are discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.