Knowledge and Attitudes of Tamils with Diabetes Mellitus in a Selected Center, Batticaloa District

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Patients' knowledge and attitudes can positively influence behavioral change in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus (OM) which will facilitate the patients to adhere to diet, physical activities, and taking medication, which enable adequate metabolic control. The study was aimed to describe the knowledge and to explore the attitude of Tamils with DM who were attending Diabetes Education Center, Teaching Hospital, Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Method: This is a mixed type study (Quantitative and Qualitative) conducted from January 2012 to December 2013. This is a descriptive cross sectional study, involving a systematic sample of 384 patients, using a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire to describe the knowledge of Tamils with DM. Two consultant physicians and two nutritionists who treat the Tamil diabetics were recruited voluntarily to explore the attitudes of Tamils with DM. In-depth interviews were conducted. Results: Majority (73.3%) scored less than 50% in the knowledge test which indicates they have poor knowledge. The age, education levels, monthly income, family history of DM and employment had significant association with knowledge score (P<0.05). Many patients (95.3%) reported routinely controlling their DM through modifying diet. Further, Tamil patients with DM have poor diabetic self-management practices mainly due to ignorance of dietary habits and changing of lifestyles. Conclusion: Patients with DM had an unsatisfactory level of overall knowledge related to DM. Education programmes are needed to address critical gaps in patients' knowledge. The Setter self-management of OM among Tamils would be achieved if they adhere to the acceptable practices by modifying lifestyles and changing the attitudes and practices.