Knowledge towards diabetes and its chronic complications and associated factors among diabetes patients in University of Gondar comprehensive and specialized hospital, Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

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.