Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Diabetic Patients (Type II) Regarding Life Style Modification at Qena University Hospital in (Upper Egypt)

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiological factors characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with disturbance of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism which resulted from either insufficient Insulin secretion, resistance to the action of Insulin or both .The purpose of this study was to assess Knowledge, attitude and practice of diabetic patients ( type II) regarding life style modification. A descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire amongst 150 type II diabetic patients seen at the diabetic clinic at Qena University Hospital in( UpperEgypt) from the first of June (2015) to the end of August (2015). Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants were obtained and their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding lifestyle modification were assessed. Results showed that more than three quarter of the participants had poor knowledge regarding the benefits of exercise and weight loss ,while 84% had poor knowledge regarding a healthy diet. About the practice, participants showed poor practice to life style modification. Nevertheless, our patients had positive attitude toward healthy lifestyle habits which could potentially be harnessed and translated into healthy lifestyle practices. A Life style modification has important roles in management and prevention of many chronic diseases like (type II) DM. It was recommended that implementation of health education programs about life style modification importance of physical exercise and weight loss, fast food, smoking and drinking (alcohol) to the general society should be by the responsible body. Medical nutrition intervention program should be implemented with a multidisciplinary team (nurses, doctors, dietician, pharmacists…) Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus (type II) - knowledge, attitude, practice and life style modificatio