introduction: Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic and a leading cause for
increasing mortality and morbidity. Although prevention and care policies exist, diabetes
continues to be a global public health problem with serious consequences. Aim: To
assess
the educational needs on diabetes among patients, level of knowledge and patient specific
characteristics that are associated with this knowledge. Method: A descriptive study was
conducted among 50 patients who entered Tishreen university between May 2017 and
December 2017. Questionnaire on different domains of diabetes such as general
knowledge, complications, treatment, life style, symptoms and prevention. Each statement
was given a score of one if it was answered correctly and zero for a wrong answer. Out of a
total score, a score of seventy percent and above was considered good knowledge ,
between thirty percent and seventy considered moderate, less than thirty considered poor
knowledge . Results: more than half, were > 50 years (54%), (54%) were males, 46% were
female. Most of educational needs were: regarding of insulin, its kinds, sides effects,
methods of prevention of diabetic foot and care it. The level of knowledge of diabetes was
moderate 63%.
Recommendation: Awareness regarding all the aspects of diabetes mellitus needs to
be increased for better control of the disease and its complications. Future studies about
effect of education program on improvement of knowledge and self care, especially about
the diabetic foot.
