Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is the second non-communicable disease in Kano affecting 4.2% of the population.

Purpose/Specific aim: The aim is to assess the level of diabetes-related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among patients with diabetes in Kano. Also, the study sought to determine the relationship between the KAP and glycemic control.

Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional study conducted at the diabetic clinic of MAWSH, Kano. A total of 400 participants that satisfied the inclusion criteria were recruited and their data analyzed. A KAP questionnaire modified from P and T journal media USA Inc was used to assess the KAP. Glycated hemoglobin was used to measure the level of glucose control of subjects.

Results: The mean age of the subjects was 51 years, and the majority of them are females (58.3%). Most of them have attained at least the secondary level of education. The mean knowledge score was 6.2±3.1 points (out of 15), average attitude score was 2.5±1.5 points (out of 5), and the mean practice score was 2.1±1.3 points (out of 6). The mean total KAP was 10.7±5.3 points (out of 25). The average glycated hemoglobin of the participants was 8.5 percent. The age of the participants, level of education, occupation, and average monthly income were found to be significantly associated with the KAP of the participants (P<0.05). The level of KAP was found to be directly related to glycemic control (χ² = 63.9 P=0.000). The level of education (OR 5.0, 95%CI 0.196−0.452, and monthly income (OR 4.4, 95% CI 0.123−0.326) were found to be independent predictors of diabetes-related KAP.

Conclusion: The level of diabetes-related KAP was found to be low among diabetes patients in Kano, and this affects the management of the disease increasing the burden of managing non-communicable diseases in the community.