"A Cross sectional Study on Assessment of Knowledge About Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Diabetes Mellitus Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern India"

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a significant public health concern, particularly in India, where the prevalence is rapidly increasing. Effective management and patient education are crucial for improving health outcomes and quality of life for T2DM patients. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge of T2DM patients attending a hospital in Southern India, using the Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ-24) Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of General Medicine, Sri Venkateshwaraa Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Puducherry. A total of 355 T2DM patients aged 41-60 years participated. Data were collected through patient self-reports and medical records, including demographic information, duration of diabetes, HbA1c levels, and responses to the DKQ-24. Results: The majority of participants 191 (53.8%) were male, with 101 (28.5%) aged between 46-50 years. About 201 (50%) had higher secondary education or above. Most participants belonged to the middle 100 (28.2%) and lower middle class 80 (22.5%). The prevalence of neuropathy 264 (74.4%) and hypertension 270 (76.1%) were significant among participants. Adequate knowledge of diabetes was found in 226 (63.7%) of participants, with 308 (86.8%) understanding diabetes symptoms and 282 (79.4%) being knowledgeable about diabetes management. Conclusions: The findings underscore the importance of targeted educational interventions to improve diabetes knowledge and management among T2DM patients in Southern India. Addressing socio-economic disparities and enhancing patient education can lead to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for T2DM patients.