ASSESSMENT OF TYPE II DIABETIC PATIENTS REGARDING KNOWLEDGE, BELIEFS AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES OBSTACLES

Background: Diabetes is a serious medical condition that affects people all over the world. Living with a lifelong condition like diabetes causes a patient to confront many obstacles, such as knowledge and, beliefs and lifestyle changes. Its proper management necessitates not only the use of medication but also patient knowledge regarding diabetes in order to implement the required lifestyle modifications. Aim of the study: To assess type II diabetic patients regarding knowledge, beliefs , and lifestyle changes obstacles. Research design: Descriptive research design was utilized in this study. Setting: The study was conducted in the internal medicine departments and diabetic outpatient clinic at Qena South Valley University Hospital. Sample: Purposive sample of 100 adult patients diagnosed with type II diabetes. Tools: Two tools were developed to collect data: A patient interview assessment sheet and a diabetes obstacles questionnaire. Results: 97.0 % of the studied type II diabetic patients had unsatisfactory knowledge about their disease. Also, 98.0% of them had obstacles with knowledge and beliefs, as well as lifestyle changes. Conclusion: Diabetic II patients had an unsatisfactory level of knowledge regarding diabetes and faced obstacles regarding knowledge and beliefs, as well as lifestyle changes. Recommendation: Educational programs should be designed and included in routine diabetes care in hospitals that help patients overcome their obstacles.