Assessment of the Knowledge Regarding Diabetes of Patients with Treatment Resort due to this Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes is the only non-infectious disease recognized by the United Nations (UN) as an epidemic of the 21st century. An underrated factor in the prevention of diabetes is common knowledge about the causes of this disease and associated prevention. Awareness of symptoms, treatment and complications associated with it is a very important element in the fight against this disease and is important in achieving therapeutic goals and prevention of complications. The aim of the study was to acquire the patients’ knowledge about the disease for which they were directed to treatment resort. Material and Methods: The study was conducted among 100 people hospitalized due to diabetes and/or obesity at the Metabolic Rehabilitation Clinic of the 22nd Military Health Resort and Rehabilitation Hospital in Ciechocinek. A dedicated questionnaire was constructed for the study, consisting of 39 questions related to the issues that constitute the scope of the educational programme that the patients of the Clinic undertake. Based on the data from the completed questionnaire, patients’ knowledge about diabetes and obesity was evaluated. Results: The average of correct responses was 49%. No statistically significant differences in the number of correct responses were observed depending on the age of the respondents (p=0,121), sex (p=0,868), residence (p=0,806) and the presence of complications of diabetes (p=0,928). Those who did not have any accompanying disease had a higher knowledge (at the limit of statistical significance p=0,086) than those who were suffering from additional medical conditions. A statistically significant relationship was documented between knowledge of the respondents and their education (higher education – percentage of correct responses 56% vs. elementary education 31%, p=0.001). Conclusions: There were no statistically significant relationships between the patient’s knowledge and gender, age, place of residence, presence of complications or accompanying diseases. A relationship was found between the patient’s knowledge about the disease and education. The patients’ knowledge about the disease is low and requires intensive educational activities implemented as systemically and systematically as possible.