General knowledge about diabetes in the elderly diabetic population in Slovenia

• Main Authors: Eva Turk, Miroslav Palfy, Valentina Prevolnik Rupel, Arja Isola
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenian Medical Association 2012-08-01
• Series: Zdravniški Vestnik
• Online Access: http://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/592
• ISSN: 1318-0347; 1581-0224

Background: A chronic disease, such as diabetes, represents a substantial burden for the patient. In order to accomplish good self-care, patients need to be qualified and able to accept decisions and self manage the disease on a daily basis. A high level of knowledge about the disease empowers the patient to act as an equal partner in the management of the disease. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and overall perceptions of diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DM2) within the elderly population in North-East Slovenia. Moreover, we wanted to identify the differences in knowledge among the diabetic patients living in urban and rural areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study of older (age ≥ 65 years), non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus type 2 patients living in a nursing home, who visited a family physician, DM outpatient clinic or a private specialist practice, was conducted. The Slovenian version of the Michigan Diabetes Knowledge Test was used for data collection. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics software, version 19.0. Results: A total of 225 individuals returned the questionnaire, which represents 75 % response rate. The average score was 8.0 ± 2.4. Not a single subject responded correctly to all 14 questions. The average score achieved by men and women was 8.8 ± 1.9 and 7.6 ± 2.5, respectively. There was no significant difference between the elderly living in urban and rural areas, and the level of education is the most important predictor for better results.