Diabetes knowledge levels among patients in Mhlontlo, South Africa: A quantitative study

Abstract

Background: There is a high prevalence of diabetes in South Africa and a related increase in poor treatment outcomes among people with diabetes. Poor glycaemic control is often associated with a lack of knowledge of self-management. The study aimed to assess diabetes knowledge levels among patients in the Mhlontlo Municipality in the OR Tambo District of the Eastern Cape province in South Africa.
Methods: The study used a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design. A convenience sample was taken of patients ≥ 18 years of age with Type 2 diabetes at a Community Health Centre and a district hospital. Data were analysed using SPSS 29, with descriptive statistics and chi-square tests applied.
Results: A total of 172 respondents were surveyed. Most respondents (57.6%) were female and most (54.2%) obtained information from healthcare facilities. Respondents demonstrated a moderate level of diabetes knowledge, with an overall median score of 62.5% across all question categories. A total of 41.3% respondents had a high level of knowledge, 29.1% had moderate knowledge levels and 29.6% had low knowledge levels. Using chi-square tests of association, tertiary-level education, younger age (between 18 and 29 years) and being employed were significantly associated with high knowledge levels.
Conclusion: Health facilities in Mhlontlo should focus on providing health education for people aged more than 50 years to improve diabetes self-management.
Contribution: This study contributes to previously unavailable context-specific information on diabetes knowledge levels among patients in Mhlontlo.