title: Knowledge of diabetes among patients in the United Arab Emirates and trends since 2001: a study using the Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test.
abstract: Knowledge of diabetes among patients with the disease in the United Arab Emirates is essential for effective self-management. We assessed the level of diabetes-related knowledge among patients and compared it with that found in previous studies in the same city. A cross-sectional study, using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, was conducted at two clinics in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. The Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test, translated into Arabic, was used to assess knowledge of diabetes. Of 165 participants with diabetes, 130 (78.8%) were women. The mean knowledge score was low at 55% (6.6 out of a maximum possible score of 12, standard deviation 1.8). This is comparable to levels found in previous studies: 55.5% in 2001 and 68.2% in 2006. Misconceptions about the diabetic diet and blood testing were common. The level of diabetes-related knowledge has remained low since 2001. These results are of concern in view of the substantial investments made in diabetes care and health education in the region.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: M Jawad
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Hashim
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Mustafa
authors.affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Health, College of Food and Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ali
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014479:United Arab Emirates