Patients’ and family members’ knowledge and views regarding diabetes mellitus and its treatment

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus affects millions of people worldwide and its related complications continue to be of great concern. The outcome of diabetes depends mainly on the patient’s self-management. Health care professionals therefore have a major responsibility to assist patients to acquire the essential knowledge, skills and attitudes towards self-management. A quantitative survey was conducted to identify diabetic patients and family members' knowledge and views about diabetes and its treatment regimen. A convenient sample of 32 diabetics and 32 family members who attended two health care facilities in the Mopani district, Limpopo Province, was drawn. Two similar questionnaires, one for each group respectively, were completed by the subjects. The data was analysed by a computer programme, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Findings revealed that the diabetics and family members lack adequate knowledge on diabetes and its treatment. Recommendations regarding the required health education and assistance to be given to these patients and their family members were made.