Abstract:

Understanding the diverse complications of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is crucial for the prevention and management of the condition. Assessing patients' comprehension of the various complications is crucial for devising interventions to manage the disease. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge regarding the complications of diabetes among diabetic patients visiting the diabetic clinic at Brikama District Hospital in The Gambia. Data was collected using a validated interviewer-administered questionnaire, and 217 patients attending diabetic clinics at Brikama District Hospital were selected by a sequential selection method. Descriptive statistics were employed to encapsulate the demographic and knowledge data. Bivariate regression was employed to ascertain parameters correlated with the knowledge of patients with diabetes. The findings indicated a deficient understanding of diabetic complications, with the majority of patients exhibiting inadequate knowledge (n = 113; 52%) compared to those with appropriate knowledge (n = 104; 48%). The patients' educational level was significantly associated with their awareness of diabetes (p = 0.01). The participants were aware of the individual problems of diabetes mellitus, although they lacked a comprehensive grasp of these complications. The proliferation of diabetes education programs, including mass media utilization and the integration of national curricula, can augment self-regulatory awareness of diabetic problems, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality rates among diabetic patients.

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