[Hospital-based evaluation of knowledge about their illness in a diabetic population].
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.
Campo Ordás
J M
JM
Unidad Docente de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Zaragoza.
Vargas Royo
M E
ME
Martínez Terrer
T
T
Cía Gómez
P
P
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
Valoración del nivel de conocimientos sobre su enfermedad en una población diabética hospitalaria.