Assessment of Knowledge among Saudi Diabetic Children/ Adolescent at Riyadh City

Abstract

Background Puberty is a period of rapid growth and hormonal changes and is often characterized by deterioration in glycemic control, and all of these factors may promote the development of diabetes complications . Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a serious disease and it causes a number of chronic diseases such as Ketoacidosis, cardiovascular disease, renal failure, and neuropathy. The purpose of the study was to determine the knowledge level of student regarding diabetic management and its effect on their health. Methods: A descriptive study design was used. A non-probability Convince sample of diabetic children/ adolescents the total sample 85 child/ adolescents patient met the study criteria age between 10 to 15 years. The study was conducted at in one governmental health care center in Riyadh city. Knowledge was measured by using (DKT) used to assess diabetes related knowledge of the respondents as regards diagnosis, treatment, complications and lifestyle. Results. The result showed that two third of the children (42.2%) were in the age group more than 14years (i.e. early adolescence stage), 99% of the children had type 1 diabetes mellitus (48.4% males and 50.6% females). While 41.5%, for both gender had the onset of diabetes since 1 year. More than have used insulin two times a day (55.6%), the majority of the sample didn't know which type of insulin they used (57.8%) As regard children's if they do reds blood sugar at home moat more than half do it twice a day in addition the majority used blood test by strips. Also in this study the older children were found more educative and development in their self-care than younger children CONCLUSION This research is an important first step in identifying areas for continued intervention efforts for children/adolescents with type I diabetes, their parents, nurses and diabetes educators. Future researchers should examine additional factors related to children's and adolescents' knowledge, including differences in what they know and want to know based on the child's gender, age, glycemic control, and diabetes management practices.