Limited knowledge of diabetes in patients attending an outpatient diabetes clinic at a referral hospital in Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus (DM) has increased globally, with a significant increase noted in African communities. Self-care health-related behavior is determined by beliefs about health and illness which are based on the person?s knowledge of diabetes. The present study aimed to assess patients' diabetes awareness and level of diabetes knowledge in Zimbabwean adults with diabetes attending an outpatient diabetes clinic at a main referral hospital.MethodsIn this cross-sectional descriptive study, the Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT) was used to measure 96 (71 women and 25 men) patients' knowledge of diabetes and their treatment. Both descriptive and analytic statistical methods were used.ResultsMost respondents had poor knowledge in all the three knowledge categories, total knowledge of diabetes, general knowledge of diabetes and knowledge of insulin use. Major knowledge gaps were noted related to insulin use, glycemic control and diet. Attending DM classes was significantly associated with general knowledge about diabetes (p 0.026) while the level of education was an independent determinant of Total Knowledge and Insulin use knowledge scores.ConclusionThe identified knowledge gaps need to be addressed to control and minimize diabetes mellitus-related complications.

The impact of existing diabetes self-management education interventions on knowledge, attitudes and practices in public health care institutions in Harare, Zimbabwe

“…Another study performed in Zimbabwe also showed that a similar proportion of people (45%) reported consulting a diabetes educator at least once. 17 These figures compare favourably to reports from countries with more resources for DSME than Zimbabwe. 18 It must be noted that the scope and content of DSME interventions in most Zimbabwean clinics are not documented, nor do standards for DSME exist.…”

Community awareness of diet needs associated with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Hatcliffe, Zimbabwe

“…Knowledge has been documented as a key component to public health intervention such as SHAKE and REPLACE. Previous studies carried out in Zimbabwe among diabetic patients showed low levels of knowledge and awareness of this disease and the dietary needs for patients with the disease [15]. Hypertension is not prioritized in Zimbabwe and there is little awareness of appropriate diets for preventing or/and controlling it [16].…”

Review of Ongoing Activities and Challenges to Improve the Care of Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Across Africa and the Implications for the Future

“…Patient knowledge regarding diabetes and its management, including self-management, can also be poor among patients with T2DM in Africa (Mogre et al, 2017;Bonger et al, 2018;Stephani et al, 2018;Moosa et al, 2019). This is exacerbated by low levels of education among patients attending PHC facilities in SSA with CVD including T2DM and hypertension; however, this is not universal (Moosa et al, 2015;Kassahun et al, 2016;Nashilongo et al, 2017;Rampamba et al, 2017;Mufunda et al, 2018;Chang et al, 2019;Moosa et al, 2019;Niguse et al, 2019). In addition, there are concerns that being overweight and obese is still seen as a sign of affluence in a number of African communities, although changing, and appreciable weight loss still has the stigma of HIV and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) associated with it.…”

“…However, such activities are not universal across Africa. Alongside this, there have been initiatives among African countries surrounding patient education and empowerment, along with support mechanisms such as the CCMDD initiative in South Africa, to improve access to treatment as well as adherence to suggested lifestyle changes and prescribed medicines (Ovbiagele, 2015;Kassahun et al, 2016;Jaam et al, 2017;Meyer et al, 2017;Amadi et al, 2018;Gathu et al, 2018;Mufunda et al, 2018;Stephani et al, 2018;Manne-Goehler et al, 2019;Rampamba et al, 2019). However, only a limited number of papers have been published assessing the impact of different initiatives in these patients (Sapkota et al, 2015;Gathu et al, 2018;Rampamba et al, 2019).…”