A Study on Assessment of Attitude and its Impact on Practice in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by hyperglycaemia and is associated with abnormalities in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, which results in chronic complications, comprising microvascular, macro vascular, and neuropathic disorders. Key complications of diabetes are avoidable by proper control on their blood glucose levels and this needs training of the person with diabetes in handling their condition. The aim of the study was to analyse the Attitude and its influence on Practice of patients with Diabetes. Methods:Patients of either sex with ≥1-year history of diabetes and who were willing to give the consent were involved in the study. Patients of either sex with <1year history of Diabetes Mellitus, Pregnant/lactating women and patients who are not ready to give the consent were excluded from the study. Attitude and practice was assessed by means of questionnaire which was closed ended consisting of 8 Attitude and 7 Practice questions. 200 patients were analysed in the study. Results: When Attitude and Practice scores were compared, results showed that despite having good attitude on Diabetes, many patients did not have good practice towards Diabetes in many terms which indicates that there is an increased need for creating awareness on the importance of Attitude and Practice with regards to the disease, that helps in appropriate management and prevention of its complications. Conclusion: The study directs the significant evidence on the role of pharmacists in providing Diabetes care, however the provision of such services remains inconsistent.

Key words: Diabetes Mellitus, Attitude, Practice, Complications, Pharmacist,