title: [Hospital-based evaluation of knowledge about their illness in a diabetic population].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate a group of diabetics' understanding of their illness, both generally and in detail in various ways. Their understanding was also assessed in relation to gender, age, educational level, the type and length of evolution of their diabetes mellitus and what sort of diabetes training they had received.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was observational. A questionnaire completed at a personal interview was used to collect data.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hospital out-patient endocrinology clinics.
  
  
  METHODS
  520 diabetics who attended out-patient clinics were selected. 35 were excluded because of auditory, linguistic or psychological problems. One patient refused to take part.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sufficient understanding was observed only in the area concerning "glucose in the blood" (79.08% of right answers). With the exception of the length of the illness, a certain relationship between patients' understanding (both in determined areas and in general) and the rest of the variables was revealed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Except for understanding about the level of "glucose in the blood" important educational deficiencies in the group under study were detected. This showed the need to prioritise improvements in diabetes training, so that patients can better monitor their condition.
authors.affiliation: Unidad Docente de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Zaragoza.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Campo Ordás
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Vargas Royo
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Martínez Terrer
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cía Gómez
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
vernacular_title: Valoración del nivel de conocimientos sobre su enfermedad en una población diabética hospitalaria.