Knowledge and behaviour amongst clients with Type 2 diabetes regarding their condition and its management

Abstract

The aim of this small scale study was to; explore the knowledge of persons' with Type 2 Diabetes about their condition and their behaviour in relation to the management of their condition. A descriptive research design was conducted using quantitative and some qualitative data. Data was gathered through the use of face to face structured interviews. A convenience sample was carried out amongst 20 individuals with Type 2 Diabetes from a local health center. Type 2 Diabetes requires proper self-management in order to avoid complications associated with Diabetes. To have a proper self-management of Type 2 Diabetes, persons with Diabetes are required to have some knowledge about the condition and its management. However having knowledge on its own without adhering to the ideal behaviour does not prevent complications associated with Diabetes. The fact that Diabetes Mellitus is quite common among the Maltese population a small scale study was conducted. The Diabetes knowledge mean score obtained in this small scale study was that of 13.6 (61.8%) out of the possibility of 22, which mean score is not considered to be relatively high neither too low. Diabetes knowledge score seemed to be associated with gender, age, level of education, the number of years participants had been diagnosed with diabetes and the type of treatment. The majority of participants appeared to adhere to Diabetes management by regular physical activity, adhering to a diabetic diet, attending for physical examinations and adhering to the Diabetes medication. Participants reported that in their opinion the hest W<lY to m<ln<lge Diabetes is through exercise, controlled diet, medication and self discipline. Most of the participants consider family members as providing supp01i. This study identified the need for further education amongst Diabetic persons in order to improve their knowledge about the condition and special attention should be given to the old aged persons since they might take longer to learn. Healthcare professions must motivate more Diabetic persons to adhere to the proper management of Diabetes Mellitus. Motivation can take place during physical examinations at the Diabetes clinic and through public advertisement. There is the need for further research study to be conducted locally. These studies are required to have in depth investigations to explore knowledge and behaviour of persons with Type 2 diabetes with a more representative sample.