A survey study in diabetic subjects on the general information about diabetes mellitus, its social aspects, complications and treatment

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder affecting many people worldwide, and its complications have become a global public health burden. Most diabetic patients are not aware of their conditions and the importance of the disease until complications develop, despite education programmes. This study was conducted to evaluate the general information level of diabetic patients about DM, its social aspects, treatment and complications. Patients with type 1 and 2 diabetes were enrolled in the study. A face to face questionnaire was applied to obtain patients' general information and diabetes awareness. To evaluate the overall knowledge, 40 questions were asked. In the assessment of the total scale scores (TSS), each correct answer was scored as 1 and incorrect as 0 point. The mean age of 120 participants was 42.5±15.4 years, 60.8% were females, 75% were married. The information level about the complications were statistically significantly higher in female diabetics than males. Information level about treatment of diabetes was higher in single diabetics compared to married ones. Married group had significantly higher scores concerning complications compared to single group. The results for the general information level, social aspect of diabetes, treatment and TSS were found to be statistically significantly higher in high education level group compared to low. In conclusion, education level of a patient seems to be the most prominent contributor of level of knowledge of diabetes, its complications, treatment and social aspects. [Med-Science 2017; 6(2.000): 249-54