Knowledge of diabetes mellitus, diets and nutrition in diabetic patients.
A multiple choice questionnaire was used to test the level of knowledge abut diabetes mellitus and diet-nutrition in diabetic patients (n = 317), non-diabetic patients (n = 70), nursing personnel (n = 53) and third-year medical students (n = 43). The results concerning diabetes were better than those for diet-nutrition. A score of greater than or equal to 80% in diet-nutrition was considered necessary for proper management of the diet at home. This level was reached by 84% of the students, 26% of the nursing personnel, 29% of the insulin-treated diabetics (n = 178, 9% of the tablet-treated diabetics (n = 124) and 4% of the non-diabetic patients. It was concluded that the piecemeal instruction system used to teach the diabetic patients is inefficient and should be replaced by a formal educational program integrated into the patient care system. The level of knowledge among nursing personnel needs to be improved.
D000368:Aged; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus; D003927:Diet, Diabetic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009747:Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D010044:Outpatient Clinics, Hospital; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden