KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE CONCERNING INSULIN PENS IN VIETNAMESE
DIABETIC OUTPATIENTS: PREVALENCE AND IMPACT ON SAFETY AND DISEASE
CONTROL
Abstract
Rational, aims and objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge,
attitude and practice (KAP) of using insulin pen in diabetes and
determine the related factors to the KAP, adverse drug reactions (ADRs)
and glycemic control status. Methods: In our descriptive study, 148
patients with diabetes were interviewed by 16-item questions on
knowledge and 8 questions on attitude, and were asked to present the
insulin pen injection technique with a sample insulin pen. Results:
Proportions of patient having a good knowledge, positive attitude, and
good practice were 45.9%, 78.4%, and 44.6%, respectively. The three
most incorrect steps were skipping to prime pen needle (90.9%), not
removing the used needle from the pen after using (87.8), and not
holding for specific count time before withdrawal of pen needle from
skin (50.7%). Patients having duration of insulin one year or more had
better knowledge (p=0.025), more positive attitude (p=0.017), and better
practice of insulin (p=0.042). Patients using insulin combined with oral
diabetic medications or having history of using insulin vials had more
positive attitude of insulin role (0.038). Frequency of having good
knowledge was statistically significantly higher in participants who
received counseling from health professionals previously (p=0.001). The
study also found a positive correlation between good knowledge of
patients and good practical skills (p<0.001). Patients with
poor practice of insulin were more likely to have ADRs at the injection
sites (p = 0.013). The worse knowledge of patients was significant
related to the higher risk of hypoglycemia (p=0.001). KAP levels did not
correlate with glycemic control status. Conclusions: Positive attitude
in patients was recorded at a significant rate; however, knowledge and
practice needs improvement. This study was helpful to shape the patient
education and target specific patients for education.