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

## TL;DR

This study assesses diabetes knowledge among patients in Mhlontlo, South Africa, finding moderate knowledge levels with education and age significantly influencing understanding.

## Contribution

The study provides context-specific data on diabetes knowledge in Mhlontlo, South Africa, which was previously unavailable.

## Key findings

- Respondents showed a moderate level of diabetes knowledge with an overall median score of 62.5%.
- Tertiary education, younger age (18-29 years), and employment were significantly associated with higher knowledge levels.
- Health education should target those over 50 years to improve diabetes self-management.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.

Health facilities in Mhlontlo should focus on providing health education for people aged more than 50 years to improve diabetes self-management.

This study contributes to previously unavailable context-specific information on diabetes knowledge levels among patients in Mhlontlo.