The Actual and Self-Perceived Knowledge of Diabetes Among Staff Nurses

Abstract

The actual and self-perceived knowledge of diabetes among staff nurses was evaluated utilizing previously validated and standardized instruments. One hundred twenty-seven staff nurses employed at three university-affiliated community hospitals participated in the study. Actual knowledge was assessed by the Diabetes Basic Knowledge Test (DBKT) and self-perceived knowledge was assessed by the Diabetes Self-Report Tool (DSRT). There was a direct relationship between self-perceived knowledge and number of correct responses on the DBKT. Nurses with a higher level of education performed better than those with fewer years of education. Nurses with fewer years of experience did better than those with greater years of experience. Although some areas of knowledge deficit were identified, we concluded that staff nurses employed at community hospitals are fairly competent in the field of diabetes and have a realistic perception of their knowledge deficiencies. Based on these findings, we believe that it should be possible to design in-service and continuing education programs for nurses to further improve their knowledge in the field of diabetes.