Abstract

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of Lebanese patients living with diabetes mellitus in regards to their diabetes self- management.MethodsA cross-sectional study, conducted between January and June 2015, enrolled 207 urban adult patients with diabetes mellitus from community pharmacies while purchasing their diabetes medications. Their knowledge and self-management practices were assessed using a structured anonymous interview survey questionnaire.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 60.2 ± 15.5 years, and the Male/Female ratio was 1.38. The mean knowledge score was 2.34 ± 0.88 points (out of 6). Very few participants (17.4%) knew their current medication side effects. The mean practice score was 5.86 ± 1.77 points (out of 8). Only 15.9% of patients reported current physical activity. A multiple linear analysis showed that those with a university degree had a significantly higher knowledge (Beta = 0.448, p = 0.001) and practice score (Beta = 0.523 p = 0.047) than those with intermediate or primary schooling. Those who reported following a special diabetes diet had a higher knowledge score (Beta = 0.482, p < 0.001) than those who did not. Knowledge score and practice score were highly correlated (Beta = 0.844, p < 0.001). There was no significant differential by gender and age for knowledge and practice scores.ConclusionsThe knowledge and practice scores of patients with diabetes mellitus were not satisfactory. Well-targeted interventions are needed, such as improving the communication between the pharmacist and people living with diabetes. The observed low adherence to physical exercise among patients with diabetes should also be addressed.

Highlights

  • The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of Lebanese patients living with diabetes mellitus in regards to their diabetes self- management

  • Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among adults in Lebanon is estimated to be approximately 15.8%, similar to what is observed in industrialized countries, but lower than other countries in the region, namely Bahrain (25.5%), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (23.3%) and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) (23. 7%) [3, 4]

  • The present study aims at assessing the knowledge and practice of Lebanese patients living with diabetes mellitus, in regards to diabetes self-management including current management practices and disease monitoring

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Summary

Introduction

The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge and practice of Lebanese patients living with diabetes mellitus in regards to their diabetes self- management. Diabetes mellitus has emerged as one of the most challenging public health problems of the twenty-first century. It is a multifaceted non-communicable disease that currently affects over 366 million people worldwide and its prevalence is likely to double by 2030 [1, 2]. The present study aims at assessing the knowledge and practice of Lebanese patients living with diabetes mellitus, in regards to diabetes self-management including current management practices and disease monitoring. Understanding the present knowledge and practices of patients with diabetes mellitus is a cornerstone to plan well-targeted interventions in order to improve and alleviate the burden of diabetes care

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