Knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP) and health related quality of life of priests with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Thailand

Abstract

© 2017 Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, THAILAND. Buddhist monks' lifestyle being different than general population has made them prone to diabetes mellitus (DM). The objectives of the study were to explore the patient's knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding drug use and diabetic complications, factors affecting clinical outcomes and to study the health related quality of life (HRQoL) among type 2 diabetic Buddhist monks in Thailand. This study was an analytical research in which data was collected from face-to-face interview via questionnaire and EQ-5D-5L. A total of 120 outpatient Buddhist monks identified as type 2 diabetes were selected using the convenient sampling method. Data collection period was from May to June 2015. The result revealed that knowledge on drug use was positively correlated with attitude and likewise attitude with practice. Modern education level and chronic heart disease was statistically significant with clinical outcome. Chronic heart condition was negatively correlated with HRQoL. The major finding suggests that healthcare providers of the hospitals should focus more towards the provision of health education to monks regarding diabetic complications, most specifically chronic heart conditions. The results from this study can be used to improve the services and education provided to patients and monks with DM.