Diabetic ketoacidosis: Knowledge and awareness assessment among parents and caregivers of children and adolescents diagnosed by Type l DM in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus type 1 is characterized by the absence of insulin. One of the most common complications of DM is Diabetic Ketoacidosis, which is caused by a prolonged decrease of insulin due to loss of pancreatic β-cells by the immune response developing many symptoms such as high glucose levels, ketonuria, irregular electrolytes and dehydration. DKA episodes in children with T1DM are considered an issue worldwide. DKA often occurs at the beginning of diagnosis of diabetes mellitus type 1. This study aims to determine knowledge and awareness of diabetes ketoacidosis among parents and caregivers who have children or adolescents diagnosed with T1DM. Methodology: The study was conducted in Saudi Arabia from August 2022 to November 2022 as a descriptive cross-sectional with a minimum sample size of 666. The data was collected using a questionnaire translated into Arabic language. The data was analyzed by using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS, version 28). Results: In our research, there were 1055 respondents. Mothers of diabetic children made up 42.7% of research respondents, followed by sisters (21.9%), fathers (20.1%) and brothers (15.3%).Of the study's respondents, 53.1% had strong knowledge of diabetic ketoacidosis, 34.8% had lack of knowledge, 8.6% had low knowledge and 3.5% had no knowledge at all. Age, diabetes, occupation, working status and the age of a diabetic child were all substantially correlated with knowledge score. Conclusion:The majority of caregivers in this study demonstrate poor knowledge and awareness of the signs and symptoms of DKA, However, they still require extra education because the majority of them are uninformed of the significance of DKA management.