Abstract:
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex disease that affects many organ systems, resulting in problems
such as the deteriorating health of the population and rising health care costs. Awareness about diabetes and its
complications is important to reduce diabetes-related morbidity and mortality. Thus, this study aimed to assess
the knowledge of DM and its chronic complications and associated factors among diabetic patients in University
of Gondar Compressive Specialized Hospital, Gondar (UoGCSH), Northwest Ethiopia.
Method: A cross-sectional study was employed at the diabetic care service of UoGCSH from August 1,
2021–September 10, 2021. Interview-guided self-administered questionnaire and a chart review were used for
data collection. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was computed to know the association between
variables.
Results: The knowledge score regarding diabetes was 85.6% in this study whereas the knowledge score about the
chronic complications of diabetes was 58.8%. Age being 26–45 years old (AOR = 0.333,95% CI:0.12–0.918),
educational status being able to read and write (AOR = 0.253, 95% CI:0.094–0.683), duration of diabetes
diagnosis greater than 10 years (AOR = 2.827, 95% CI:1.458–5.481), and occupational status of being a daily
laborer (AOR = 2.531, 95% CI:1.030–6.221) were significantly associated with knowledge regarding chronic
complications of DM.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated higher knowledge scores regarding DM and its chronic complications. Age,
educational status, duration of diabetes diagnosis, and occupational status have a significant association with
knowledge of subjects regarding chronic complications.
