Patients' concepts and attitudes about diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the concepts and attitudes of patients and their immediate family members towards diabetes, its complications, and treatment.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 654 patients with poorly controlled diabetes and 216 of their immediate family members were interviewed regarding their concept about diabetes, its complications, diet, exercise, drug therapy, and understanding about insulin.

RESULTS

There was lack of awareness about diabetes and its complications among the patients of diabetes. Majority of obese patients and their close family members failed to accept that they were obese. Child birth, menopause, and tubal ligation in female patients were wrongly attributed as a cause of obesity. There were major misconceptions about diet, exercise, and insulin therapy. More than 90% of study subjects had a misconception that all sweet fruits are prohibited and all bitter vegetables are beneficial. Temporary discontinuation of drug therapy was found in 189 cases. The lack of awareness and various misconceptions had no statistical relationship with the educational background of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Among patients of poorly controlled diabetes and their close family members, there was a gross lack of knowledge of complications of diabetes, causes of obesity, treatment of diabetes, and use of insulin. Denial of obesity was commonly observed. Linking obesity with tubal ligation in female patients not only is appalling but may possibly be a hindrance to family planning program. Level of education had no bearing on these misconceptions.