Level Of Diabetes-related Knowledge Research Articles

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviors Toward Proper Nutrition and Lifestyles in Kosovar’s Diabetic Patients

Background: The aim of our study was to assess the knowledge and attitudes about type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Kosovars patients, as well as self-efficacy toward eating behavior, and determine the impact of diabetes on patients' daily work and lifestyle practices.Methods and Results: This analytical cross-sectional survey was performed among 400 T2D patients (203 males and 197 females) to assess their knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding diabetic diet and eating habits. It was conducted from February to May 2023 in Kosovo's rural and urban areas. Knowledge, attitudes, and eating behavior were assessed using the self-administered 28-item sets related to glycemic control, physical activity, risk of complications, foot care, and food and nutrition. The largest proportion (42.3%) was made up of the patients over 60 years of age; 41.5% were 40-60 years of age, and only 16.3% were 30-40 years old. Most of the patients were males (50.8%); more than 87% were married. Interviewed participants did not have enough knowledge about the consumption of foods with more fruits, beverages, and sweets. Generally, participants had poor knowledge about the impact of DM on health. Most diabetics in Kosovo still have suboptimal diet practices, choosing to base their main meals around carbohydrates containing food with a high glycemic index, such as white bread and potatoes most of the time. In our case, 38.8% of participants never exercised during the week because they did not know the importance of exercise to treat their disease. In our study, we found no association between the level of diabetes-related knowledge and age, gender, or the years since the patient was diagnosed. A worrying fact for Kosovar patients is that there are no diabetes counseling centers in the regions where they live. Conclusion: There is a need to increase awareness of the complications of diabetes and consequently improve nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The benefits of early detection of T2D through screening in the general population are needed in Kosovo.

Do practice nurses have the knowledge to provide diabetes self-management education?

Abstract Purpose: Practice nurses are ideally positioned to provide key aspects of self-management education to a large majority of people with diabetes within a primary care setting. However, practice nurses have seldom had comprehensive training in this field and consequently their role may have limitations. A study was designed to determine the diabetes related knowledge levels of practice nurses in a regional/rural setting in Australia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was undertaken using a questionnaire to identify the knowledge of practice nurses. A convenience sample of PNs (N = 52) was drawn from a Division of General Practice in a regional/rural area of NSW. Data was collected using a 14 item knowledge survey from the National Association of Diabetes Centres (NADC). Results: Twenty nine PNs (55%) responded to the survey; primarily the participants were registered nurses (89.6%), only one had completed a postgraduate qualification in diabetes, although 76% had recently completed one or more short courses in diabetes management. Pathophysiology related knowledge was strong (M= 88%) as was knowledge concerning blood glucose monitoring (87%). Less strong was dietary knowledge (79.5%), although one particular question relating to sources of carbohydrate contributed to the lower score. The weakest knowledge area was medication management, with PNs scoring a mean score of only 54%. Conclusion: These findings suggest that PNs have deficits in the knowledge required for DSME and therefore, this must be addressed through targeting continuing professional development.

Health-related quality of life in a binational population with diabetes at the Texas-Mexico border

To examine physical and mental health domains of health-related quality of life (HRQL) in a binational adult population with type 2 diabetes at the Texas-Mexico border, and to explore individual and social correlates to physical and mental health status. Adults 18 years and older with type 2 diabetes residing in the South Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley and in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, were recruited using a convenience sampling technique and interviewed face-to-face with a structured survey. HRQL was measured using physical and mental health summary components of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form. HRQL correlates included demographic characteristics, health factors, access to healthcare, and family support. Samples characteristics were compared using the Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test. Associations between dependent and independent variables were examined using unadjusted and adjusted (multiple variable) logistic regression models. There were no significant differences between Valley and Reynosa respondents in physical or mental health status scores. Valley participants with lower socioeconomic status and those perceiving their supportive relative's level of diabetes-related knowledge as "low" were more likely to report worse physical health than those lacking those characteristics. In the Reynosa group, lower physical health status was associated with duration of diabetes and insulin use. Both sample populations with clinical depressive symptoms were more likely to have worse physical and mental health than those without such symptoms. HRQL is an important outcome in monitoring health status. Understanding the levels and influences of HRQL in U.S.-Mexico border residents with diabetes may help improve diabetes management programs.

The National Eye Health Education Program: increasing awareness of diabetic eye disease among American Indians and Alaska Natives.

With the highest prevalence of diabetes in the United States, American Indians and Alaska Natives are at greatest risk for diabetic eye disease (DED), a leading cause of blindness. The National Eye institute (NEI) conducted formative research to understand DED-related knowledge, identify approaches to managing this disease, and design a communication plan to increase awareness and reduce DED among these populations. The NEI conducted qualitative research at five locations in indian country with representatives from national organizations, tribal members, and healthcare providers. While diabetes ranked high on their list of primary community health issues in need of attention, study participants had only a basic level of diabetes-related knowledge, acknowledged the need for DED education, and underscored the importance of the use of interpersonal and culturally appropriate communication strategies. This is the first exploratory qualitative research study to examine the status of diabetic eye disease among American indians and Alaska Natives whose primary purpose was to inform the design of a national DED communication campaign.