ASSESEMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ON COMPLICATIONS OF DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG DIABETIC PATIENTS IN AGENA PRIMARY HOSPITAL

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a complex chronic metabolic disease characterized by an elevation of level of glucose in the blood and it caused by a complex interaction of genetics and environmental factors. DM has acute and chronic complications. Diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemia, and hypoglycemia are examples of acute complications. Nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, stroke, impotence, high cholesterol, impaired kidney function, and the possibility of protein in the urine are examples of chronic consequences. Objective: To assess knowledge and attitudes about acute and chronic complications of diabetes mellitus and to assess practices needed to prevent those complications of diabetes mellitus in Agena Primary Hospital among diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: Institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July 1-30,2023. The sample size was calculated using single population proportion which is 201.Then simple random sampling was used to select participants in Agena Primary Hospital. Data was collected by using questionnaires and face to face interview and then collected data was edited, coded and entered into statical software SPSS version 25 and results was presented in text, tables and graphs. Finally descriptive statistics was done and summarized accordingly. Result: From a total of 195 respondents 108 respondents (55.4 %) have good knowledge towards complications of DM. Almost half of the respondents 101(51.8%) had good attitude towards the complications of DM. Almost half of the respondents 97(49.7 %) had a good practice towards diabetic complications. Conclusion: Almost half of the participants had good knowledge, attitude, and practice towards complications of DM. Less than half of the participants believed that regular exercise prevent DM complications. Among study participants more than half of them didn’t assumed good glycemic control as way of preventing diabetic complications. Only a few of participants have checked up their kidney and eye regularly. Recommendation: For Agena primary hospital in Agena town, Gurage zoneA hospital-based intervention program should be implemented in order to improve the KAP of patients regarding prevention of complication of DM.• To consider developing educational programs that emphasizes life style modification with importance of adherence to treatment would be of great benefit in poor glycemic control. • Measures should be put in place education for diabetes patients, emphasize more on self-care 9activities especially to patients with long duration of diabetes. For health care providers• Develop effective patient provider relation and communication skills when counseling diabetic patients. • Encouraging patients' adherence to physical activity and regular follow up should be emphasized to diabetic patients at every appointment.• Health care providers should discuss barriers of treatment adherence when counseling patients and solutions should be tailored toward individual needs.