Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM] in Egypt is a fast-growing problem for health and health care resources. Good knowledge, attitude and practices [KAP] of DM disease are necessary in the prevention and management of DM.
The aim of the work: To assess KAP in adult patients with T2DM and correlate it with socio-demographic factors. And also to evaluate different factors affecting KAP among the studied population that would help in the development of prevention programs in Egypt.
Patients and Methods: A total of 400 T2DM patients attending the endocrinology department, at the Specialized Medical Hospital, Mansoura University were interviewed. Questionnaires were completed to determine the demographics and KAP of the participants about DM. Anthropometric measurements were obtained by standard techniques.
Results: The levels of KAP for T2DM disease were poor. Good knowledge, attitude and practices were among 35.5%, 22% and 49.2% of the participants, respectively. A significant weak positive correlation is detected between knowledge and practice [r=0.248] and between attitude & practice [r=0.273]. Young age of the participants, housewives, rural residence and negative family history for DM were associated with poor knowledge. Young participants age <40 years, less than university education, and private work were associated with poor attitude. Rural residence and obesity were associated with poor practice.
Conclusion: The overall level of KAP concerning diabetes is poor. Rural residence is associated with poor knowledge and poor practice, while obesity is associated with poor practice. Levels less than university education are associated with poor attitude .the present study suggests the need of structured educational campaigns with a prioritized focus on poorer, rural and less educated groups to prevent diabetes and its complications.