Knowledge and Practices among Diabetic Clients Regarding Cardiovascular Problems in A Rural Area

Abstract

Introduction: It is now well established that type2 diabetes is part of the metabolic or insulin resistance syndrome, which comprises hypertension, dyslipidemia, central adiposity and cardiovascular disease. Aim: The study aims to assess the knowledge and practices among diabetic' clients regarding cardiovascular problems in a rural area. Design: A descriptive study was used. Setting: This study was conducted at diabetic' outpatient clinics at Kafr El-sheikh General Hospital. Sampling: A purposive sample of 100 diabetic clients. Tools: Two tools were used for data collection. First tool: Was an interviewing Questionnaire, this tool was divided into three parts for collecting data. Part one: it was concerned with date related to socio-demographic characteristics of the Diabetic Clients. Part two: It was concerned with client’s past and present health history as duration of illness, symptoms, investigations, and medications. Part three: It was concerned with clients' knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular problems. Second tool: Checklist to Assessing diabetic clients' practices regarding diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular problems. Results: The results of this study indicated that, the majority of diabetic clients were females and their age ranged from 45- 50 years, almost were illiterate and were living in not crowded homes. The highest portion their duration of diabetes were 4:5 years period. More than half of studied samples had family history of diabetes. The majority of study sample treated with insulin. The minority of them their Practices were correctly done for hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia control. A large proportion of diabetic clients have poor knowledge and practices regarding diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular problems. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was no statistical significant association between socio-demographic characteristics of diabetic clients' knowledge and their practices. As well there was statistical significant association between diabetic clients' knowledge and their practices. Recommendations: The study recommended that extensive health education and health promotion programs are recommended to prevent diabetic complications.