Diabetes knowledge and socio-economic status among adults with type 2 diabetes

Sociodemographic factors and diabetes knowledge play a crucial role in the management and long-term outcomes of type 2 diabetes, influencing both disease progression and the risk of complications. We aimed to assess the relationship between socio-economic status and diabetes knowledge using a demographically appropriate questionnaire for evaluating socioeconomic status and a culturally tailored bilingual diabetes knowledge assessment test for patients with type 2 diabetes in a multi-ethnic setting.

Our study was conducted in Mureş County, Romania, among adults with a minimum one-year history of type 2 diabetes. We collected data on the participants' sociodemographic and socioeconomic status. Our assessment test for diabetes knowledge consisted of 30 true-or-false statements, addressing etiology and risk factors, diabetes-related complications, and treatment, including lifestyle interventions and medication. Statistical analysis was carried out in the SPSS software.

We screened 202 diabetic patients, 109 patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in the study. Data were collected on their sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics, and they also completed the diabetes assessment test. Between the sociodemographic features and diabetes knowledge, only the diabetes duration showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the total (r(107) = 0.254, r² = 0.064, p = 0.008) and second domain's scores (r(107) = 0.336, r² = 0.112, p = 0.000). In addition, education level, household income and the type of antidiabetic treatment showed a statistically significant association with assessment test scores (p < 0.05).

In the study population, there was a statistically significant association between the performance on the assessment test and education level, type of antidiabetic treatment, household income and diabetes duration.