Assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding diabetes among patients with type 2 diabetes in Hunan province, China: a cross-sectional study

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has become a public health crisis in China, particularly in rural areas, leading to significant impairment of quality of life and premature death. However, little is known about the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) required for diabetic patients for effective management and prevention of complications. This study aimed to assess the KAP level of patients with T2DM and identify the associated factors in Central China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered KAP questionnaires among patients with T2DM recruited from 12 township health centers. KAP levels were determined by calculating the scores, and the association between respondents' characteristics and KAP outcomes was evaluated using chi-square tests and Mann–Whitney U -tests, as appropriate. Results In total, 259 diabetic patients completed the survey. Overall, despite adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward T2DM, there were substantial gaps in practices. The respondents scored 13.09 out of 17points on the knowledge subscales, 3.88 out of 4 on the attitude subscales, and 4.96 out of 12 on the practice subscales. Educational attainment, health insurance type, diabetic complications, and current medical treatment pattern were significant predictors of knowledge. Educational attainment, health insurance type, diabetic complications, and comorbidities were significant predictors of attitudes. Educational attainment and marital status affected respondents' practices significantly. Conclusions Despite adequate knowledge and positive attitudes toward T2DM, there were substantial gaps in diabetic practices. These findings highlight the urgent need for action from relevant health authorities and policymakers to improve diabetic practices among Chinese patients with T2DM in rural China.