KNOWLEDGE OF INSULIN SELF-ADMINISTRATION AMONG TYPE 2 DIABETIC PATIENTS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY FROM PRIMARY CARE CLINIC IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN
Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus, Insulin therapy, Type 2 diabetes, knowledge, primary careAbstract
Background: Insulin therapy is a life-saving treatment for patients with high blood sugar in the hospital; however, it can be life-threatening if carried out incorrectly. Inadequate knowledge regarding insulin is likely to influence its acceptance and adherence.
Objective: To determine knowledge of insulin self-administration among type 2 diabetic patients visiting primary care clinic in Karachi, Pakistan.
Methods: This study was performed to determine knowledge of insulin self-administration among type 2 diabetic patients visiting primary care clinic in Karachi, Pakistan using a questionnaire. The first part of questionnaire was comprised of demographic questions whereas the second part evaluated knowledge. Knowledge was assessed with total 8 question. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.
Results: Total 280 patients were enrolled into the study with median age of 42 (IQR=34-50) years. Majority were males (55%) and had family history of diabetes (60%). 51.1% patients had disease ≥5 years and 37.9% were advised with insulin. Nearly three-fourth of total patients knew about purpose of insulin (73.9%). Majority people had no understanding of angle of insulin administration (56.1%). About half of people were unaware that insulin administration prevents diabetes complications (45%). 58.2% had correct knowledge that insulin should be stored in refrigerator. 55% patients were aware of timing of insulin administration. Mostly patients had not correct knowledge of sites of insulin administration (60%) and use of new needles for every dose (57.1%). Around half of the patients had knowledge that self-administration of insulin saves time, cheap and easily portable (51.4%). Median score of overall knowledge was 4 (IQR=3-5). Out of 280 patients, 18.6% patients had adequate knowledge of insulin administration.
Conclusion: The findings of this study demonstrated a lower knowledge of insulin administration among diabetic patients visiting to primary care clinic. A larger multi-center surveys should be conducted from different primary care clinics of Karachi to validate findings of this study.
