Assessment of the outcome of an educational programme of diabetes self-care

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The efficacy of our current educational programme for diabetic patients was assessed. Cognitive and behavioural tests were administered to 75 Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetic patients, aged ⩽ 30 years attending the Diabetic Clinic of the Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. An overall deficiency in knowledge was evident. Fifty-one patients responded incorrectly to > 20% of the items tested. Twenty-nine patients lacked the ability to communicate a simple understanding of diabetes. Whereas most (70+) correctly identified the methodology of urinalysis, uncertainty was evident concerning appropriate action needed in response to such tests. Forty-nine did not know the significance of thirst and polyuria and 20 were unaware that hyperglycaemia could progress to coma. The ability to modify insulin dosage was poor as was the ability to use exchanges. Of patients aged ⩾ 20 years, those from the Dublin region scored better than did those from surrounding towns or rural areas, (r=0.5; p< 0.01). Regular out-patient attenders scored less well than nonattenders (r=0.24; p<0.05) but had better glycosylated haemoglobin levels (r=0.3; p<0.01). Gycosylated haemoglobin showed no significant correlation with level of knowledge held.