Knowledge and Awareness of mothers and caregivers of Diabetic Children about clinical features and complications of Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Riyadh City: questionnaire study

Abstract

Objectives: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening metabolic disorder in which complications can be avoidable. The purpose of this study is to describe the knowledge of the Saudi caregivers for diabetic children about Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus, its signs and symptoms and prevention and its complications in children under their care. Setting and Participants: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study design was conducted in Riyadh city in Saudi Arabia. A sample size of at least 412 was required. The total number of respondents that were included in the analysis was 414. The method of collection of data was done by data collectors. Results: 399 caregivers participated in this study, most of whom were Saudi (376; 94.2%), and gained a university degree (300; 75.2%). The most commonly cited symptom of DM in children was raised blood sugar (225; 56.4%), while the most cited common cause was malnutrition (223; 55.9%), and the most commonly cited manifestation of diabetes was frequent urination (354; 88.7%). Conclusion: This study showed that most type-1 diabetic caregivers had knowledge and awareness regarding DKA in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, some gaps exist. Further studies would assess more factors to enhance the level of knowledge and awareness, and increase the effectiveness toward the right action and response regarding DKA. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, DKA, Children, Caregivers, Emergency, Saudi Arabia