Background: Diabetes mellitus poses a significant global health burden, with India accounting for over 77 million affected individuals. Insulin therapy, although essential for type 1 diabetes and advanced type 2 diabetes, is often underutilized due to psychological insulin resistance, stemming from negative perceptions, fear, and low self efficacy. Understanding patient knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding insulin use, especially in relation to therapy duration, is essential for improving adherence and self management. The objective of this study is to evaluate the association between duration of insulin therapy and KAP scores among insulin treated diabetic patients in eastern India. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study enrolled 150 adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes undergoing insulin therapy at a tertiary care center in Kolkata in 2024. Participants were interviewed using a structured, validated 15 item KAP questionnaire (five items per domain). Patients were grouped by duration of insulin therapy (10 years). Statistical analysis was performed using one way analysis of variance to assess differences in KAP scores across groups. Results: The mean age was 54.8 ± 11.2 years; 61.3% were male. The total KAP score increased progressively with longer insulin use, from 12.00 ± 1.00 (10 years). Attitude scores showed a significant association with insulin duration ( P = 0.01). Knowledge and practice scores also trended higher, although not statistically significant. Conclusion: Longer duration of insulin therapy is associated with improved attitudes and overall KAP scores. Structured, stage specific education, especially during early insulin initiation, may enhance long term adherence and diabetes self management.
Rahaman et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
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