Determinants of Diabetes Knowledge among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Malaysian Primary Care Setting: A Cross-sectional study at Kangar Health Clinic.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70672/99aaew04Keywords:
Diabetes knowledge, health literacy, patient education, self-management, type 2 diabetes mellitusAbstract
Introduction: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) requires ongoing self-management to reduce the risk of complications, with patient knowledge playing a pivotal role in making informed decisions about diet, medication adherence, and lifestyle modifications. A better understanding of diabetes enables patients to manage their condition effectively and prevent complications. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the level of diabetes knowledge and its associated factors among T2DM patients at Kangar Health Clinic, Perlis. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Kangar Health Clinic. Participants were eligible for inclusion if they were aged 18 years or older and had been diagnosed with T2DM. A self-administered questionnaire comprising 35 items, which included sociodemographic information, diabetes-related characteristics, and the validated Malay-translated Simplified Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT), was used for data collection. Multiple linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with diabetes knowledge. Results: A total of 298 participants were included, with a mean age of 64.0 years (SD = 10.6). The majority were male (62.4%) and Malay (91.3%). Most respondents (69.8%) demonstrated a poor level of knowledge. After multivariable analysis, higher knowledge was significantly associated with being female (p = 0.003), being married (p = 0.020), and having higher education levels (p < 0.05). Additionally, having hypertension (p = 0.004) or dyslipidemia (p = 0.001), and being a former smoker (p = 0.015) were associated with higher scores, while current smokers were associated with significantly lower knowledge (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Participants demonstrated a poor level of diabetes knowledge. Tailored educational interventions targeting males, individuals with lower education levels, and current smokers are recommended to improve self-management and health outcomes.
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