Knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward diabetes‑related complications and associated factors among patients with diabetes attending the medical outpatient clinics of Al‑Thawra general hospital, Ibb, Yemen: a cross‑sectional study

Diabetes mellitus is a common disease worldwide and causes numerous microvascular and macrovascular complications. Patients’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward these complications and associated factors are of paramount importance for early detection and prevention, particularly in countries such as Yemen. This study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diabetes-related complications and associated factors among diabetic patients attending the outpatient clinics of Al-Thawra General Hospital, Ibb, Yemen. This study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design and was conducted at the outpatient medical clinics of Al-Thawra General Hospital in Ibb City, Yemen, during the period from March 1 to December 29, 2025. The study sample comprised 384 patients with diabetes mellitus, who were selected using a convenience sampling technique. Data were collected using a purpose-designed questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27. The median knowledge score was 10.0 (IQR: 8.0–11.0); the median attitude score was 27.0 (IQR: 24.0–29.0); and the median practice score was 24.0 (IQR: 19.0–28.0). Significant positive correlations were observed among knowledge, attitude, and practice scores ( p < 0.0001 for all). Higher education significantly improved attitude (β = 3.45, p < 0.001), whereas male gender (β = 1.85, p < 0.001) and poor follow up ( p = 0.007) were significantly associated with attitude. For practice, urban residence was an independent predictor ( p = 0.026), while male gender ( p = 0.001), management plan ( p < 0.001–0.008), and inconsistent follow up ( p < 0.001) were significant independent predictors. Knowledge of the complications of Diabetes was moderate to high; Attitudes were positive, but practices were moderate. Knowledge, attitude, and practice are correlated. Significant predictors included drugs and follow-up (knowledge); gender, education, and follow-up (attitude); and gender, living area, management, drugs, and follow-up (practice). The study recommends regular, structured diabetes education to support a productive life.