Knowledge and Awareness of Diabetes and Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Among Medical Students in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital: An Observational Study.

BACKGROUND

The management of Diabetes Mellitus and its important complication Diabetic Ketoacidosis is very crucial in today's world where the prevalence of Diabetes is very high. Medical students are the pillars of our future healthcare system and it is important to evaluate and update their knowledge and awareness regarding these both conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional; Questionnaire based observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. The respondents were final year MBBS students of that college. Study instrument was a self developed, pre-validated, semi-structured questionnaire.

RESULTS

A total of 73 questionnaires were considered for analysis, giving a response rate of 90.12% with 43.83% and 56.16% were male and female respondents respectively. About 81.25% and 90.24% of male and female respondents gave correct answer to question related to the best indicator of glycemic control. Lack of knowledge was seen regarding the world Diabetes day. Approximately 37% of the respondent's parents were diabetic. Only 12 out of 73 respondents were aware about the factors leading to DKA.8 out of 73 were aware about investigations to be done in DKA. Around 43.84% of responders knew regarding the proper screening duration in person with risk of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

From the study it was concluded that most of the students have basic knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus, its clinical features and management etc but only 50 % of the respondent were aware about DKA and further teaching and post teaching evaluation are needed in future direction.