Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Related to Diabetes Mellitus Among Hospital Outpatients and Their Companions in Herat, Afghanistan: A Cross‐Sectional Study

Objectives: This study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to diabetes mellitus (DM) among outpatients in Herat, aiming to identify key gaps and inform educational and policy interventions. Methods: An outpatient-based cross-sectional study, using a structured-, validated-, and interviewer-administered questionnaire, was conducted among 421 adult outpatients at Herat Regional and Jami Hospitals. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression were performed in SPSS 27 to explore associations between KAP levels and sociodemographic factors. Results: = 0.040). Conclusion: Although moderate KAP levels were observed, critical gaps remain, particularly in lifestyle practices and routine monitoring. Comprehensive public health strategies including structured education, media outreach, and culturally tailored interventions are vital to improve diabetes awareness and management in Afghanistan.