KNOWLEDGE OF THE DISEASE AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETES PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN MUMBAI, INDIA
Objective: An estimated 72 million in India live with diabetes; the country faces an impending health-care crisis with prevalence and complications of diabetes forecasted to multiply in the next decade. Improving patients’ knowledge about diabetes to manage the disease better is an urgent and important public health goal.Methods: Knowledge about diabetes, its complications, and management was surveyed using a structured questionnaire among 167 Type 2 diabetes patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Mumbai, India.Results: None of the participants had ever received any formal diabetes self-management education previously. Respondents’ mean and median correct knowledge scores were 20 of 32 test items. Although majority answered statements about blood sugar levels and complications, there was lack of knowledge about the causes and management of diabetes. Around 82% stated that medication was more important than dietary intake and physical activity in managing diabetes. A multiple regression model showed that postgraduate or graduate level education, not being married, having two or less children, and visiting a doctor 1–3 times a year (as compared to more than three visits) was independently associated with higher diabetes knowledge scores (*p<0.05) in this sample.Conclusion: An information disparity exists between patients who have higher levels of education versus those with lesser education. Future research will have to examine the mechanisms by which higher education contributes to better knowledge, and facilitate the design of diabetes education programs that bridge information gaps and improve required competencies in patients to better manage their condition.