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| Authors | A Serracino Inglott L M Azzopardi M Zarb Adami V Azzopardi |
| Abstract | Introduction: In insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus paediatric patients, responsibility of care changes from a predominantly parent-managed situation to a child-managed system as the child grows older. Aim: To assess the knowledge of young patients suffering from diabetes and of their parents on the condition and its management. Method: A prospective study was carried out where 50 patients attending the Diabetes Clinic were interviewed using a questionnaire based on the Diabetes Knowledge Assessment Scales to evaluate the knowledge of patients and of parents on diabetes (each correct answer was assigned a score of 1, maximum score 18). Results: Patient characteristics: mean age 12.5 years (range 7-18 years), gender 25 males, 25 females, mean duration of diabetes 3.5 years (range 6 months-10 years). Scored knowledge of patients: < 10 scores- 16 (32%), 10-13 scores- 18 (36%), >13 scores- 16 (32%). Scored knowledge of parents: <10 scores-0, 10-13 scores 10 (20%), >13 scores- 40 (80%). Conclusion: Disease knowledge of paediatric patients suffering from diabetes needs to be revisited and emphasised as the child grows older. Health professionals should use knowledge assessment scales to assess level of patients knowledge and provide information according to the patients needs so as to support the shift towards a child-managed system. |
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| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 1-2/suppl. 2003 |
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| Key words | diabetes, paediatrics, pharmacy, disease knowledge |