Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Survey of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Background: A good knowledge of disease management is necessary in promoting care and enhancing good therapeutic outcomes. Diabetes mellitus is a major health problem in Pakistan with individual, social and economical consequences. Knowledge, attitude and practice surveys are effective in providing baseline for evaluating intervention programs. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetics and its co-morbidities in Pakistani population. Patients and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional survey was comprised 250 patients and conducted in the Endocrine & Diabetes Clinic, Department of Medicine, Shaikh Zayed Hospital Lahore from 1st June 2013 to 31st December 2013. Patients aged 40-70, either sex were included. Patients who have type I diabetes mellitus were excluded. Participants underwent a knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire survey regarding assessing diabetes, socio-demographics, associated medical conditions & self care. Results: There were 85 (34%) males and 165 (66%) were females. The mean age of the patients was 52.40 +/- 6.62 years and mean duration of diabetes was 12.22 +/- 3.81 years. Among the study subjects, the levels of knowledge were low in 46%, medium in 39% and high in 63%. The levels of attitude were also described accordingly as low 8%, medium 32% and high 60%. The levels of practice of study subjects were found to be low in 78%, medium in 15% and high in 7%. Conclusion: Results revealed good attitude but poor knowledge and practices (behaviour) towards diabetes. We concluded that there is a need for structured community programs to improve attitude and practices of diabetic patients to promote better compliance towards diet, exercise and drug regimen to prevent from complications related to diabetes.