A systematic review on knowledge-attitude-practice on diabetes: Assessment process and outcome levels

This systematic review aimed to gather scientific evidence regarding the methods and indicators used to measure Knowledge Attitude and Practices (KAP) related to their disease among patient with diabetes and the level of KAP measured as outcome. 65 studies were included in this review following the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria and using the 7 electronic databases. Reviewed papers were categorized according to the assessment process of KAP in the studies. Articles were described and analyzed according to a list of criteria defined: the publication year; research location; study design; age of study subjects; addressed issues, process to measure and level of KAP in the article. Assessment of KAP on diabetes was expressed by mean, categories, percentage or in combined process. Majority of the reviewed studies were cross sectional (n=46, 71%), performed among adult patients (n=59, 91%), conducted in Asia (n=39, 60%) and used non- standardized questionnaire (65%). In most of the studies, level of knowledge and attitude on diabetes was found to be average (n=39, 60% & n=7, 11% respectively) and practices were found poor (n=12, 19%). The findings showed different types of indicators produced to measure KAP and the different dimensions being used either independently or together. There is a need for a standard validated questionnaire to be able to produce a measure of knowledge and behaviors of patients with diabetes that will be valid and comparable.