Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Regarding Insulin Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by persistent hyperglycemia due to an absolute deficiency of insulin. Effective management requires lifelong insulin therapy, which demands appropriate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among patients and their families. Improper use of insulin can result in severe complications, including hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, and long-term organ damage. Therefore, understanding the KAP levels in this population is essential to improve disease outcomes and prevent avoidable complications.

Methodology

This observational study assessed the KAP levels of patients with T1DM concerning insulin therapy. Conducted at the Diabetic Center, Kademia Teaching Hospital in Baghdad, the study included 175 patients with T1DM from November 2023 to March 2024. Participants were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria and their consent. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed to evaluate knowledge (e.g., insulin function and administration techniques), attitudes (e.g., perceptions of insulin use), and practices (e.g., injection skills and frequency of insulin use).

Results

The findings revealed an alarmingly low overall KAP score among patients, with a mean score (M.S) of 1.46 on a 5-point scale. Specifically, 65% of patients demonstrated inadequate knowledge about insulin use, 72% exhibited negative attitudes, and 68% had suboptimal practices regarding insulin administration. Conversely, family members responsible for administering insulin showed moderate KAP levels, indicating a slight gap in their understanding and skillset compared to healthcare standards.

Conclusions & Recommendations

The study concludes that there is a critical need to enhance the KAP levels of T1DM patients and their caregivers. Targeted educational programs and hands-on training sessions should be implemented in diabetes centers and hospitals to empower patients and families to manage T1DM effectively. Additionally, developing accessible educational materials and fostering collaborative efforts between healthcare providers and families could substantially improve treatment adherence and outcomes.