Knowledge of diabetes mellitus using DKN scales among the public in Klang Valley / Mohd Syafiq Ithnin

Research on knowledge of diabetes mellitus among the public is lacking. This study was set out to investigate current knowledge of diabetes mellitus among the public in Klang Valley, Selangor, Malaysia. Cross-sectional descriptive design and convenience survey methods were used. The sample consisted of 150 respondents from the public who completed the questionnaires. Knowledge of diabetes mellitus was assessed with a modification of Diabetes Knowledge (DKN) Scales questionnaires. Fifteen diabetes knowledge items were analyzed and classified into six factors: basic physiology of diabetes, food group, sick day management, hypoglycemia, general diabetes care and food substitutions. All six factors of both genders are not significantly different. However, ketones, sick day management and food substitutions factors need to be take action in diabetes education. It can be concluded that public's knowledge of diabetes mellitus can be improved. Although the study sample has geographic limitations, future national studies with similar populations of public in Malaysia will help government and non-government agencies to understand additional educational effort to increase knowledge of diabetes mellitus among public.