Abstract

AWARENESS AND KNOWLEDGE OF DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS, PATIENTS AND PUBLIC OF MUSCAT REGION IN OMAN

A.R. Mullaicharam*, Hajar Ali Al-Balushi, Huwaida Juma Al-Obaidani, Ikhlas Mohammed Al-Balushi, Maha Sabeeh Kalash Al-Mohemmedawi, Nirmala Halligudi, P.J. Joseph Francis

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder resulting from a defect in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Insulin deficiency in turn leads to chronic hyperglycemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. It is the most common endocrine disorder and by the year 2010, it is estimated that more than 200 million people worldwide will have DM and 300 million will subsequently have the disease by 2025. Aim: To know the awareness of diabetic mellitus in Oman among healthcare professionals (Pharmacist, Nurses), Patients and public. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional survey was conducted to evaluate the general public's knowledge of diabetes and to assess awareness on healthcare professionals (pharmacists and nurses) and diabetic patients. Results: All of the healthcare professionals (100%) correctly answered that there are two types of diabetes as compared to 78% patients and 66% public. Also 95% of the healthcare correctly identified insulin as a hormone, as compared to 62% of patients and 55% of public who answered correct. Also 100% of the patients and 99% of healthcare agreed that diabetics should exercise regularly as compared to 89% of the public. Conclusion: Based on survey results, surprisingly 70% of patients and 62% of healthcare mistakenly believe that most diabetics are more than 40 years old. Hence policy makers, educational providers and healthcare agencies should take note that more work needs to be done among public and patients to raise their awareness as that of healthcare professionals.

Keywords: Type 1 diabetes mellitus, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Awareness, knowledge, Health care professionals.