Knowledge, Attitude, Practices, and Associated Factors Towards Glycemic Control Among Diabetes Mellitus Patients In Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia, 2025.

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to absolute or relative insulin deficiency, and it is now among the top 10 causes of death worldwide. It plays a vital role in morbidity and mortality through its continued clinical consequences. Therefore, good knowledge, attitude, and practices of glycemic control are necessary to promote care, enhance therapeutic outcomes, and prevent and manage diabetes complications.

Methods and Materials: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted using the systematic random sampling technique. A total of 422 diabetic patients attending Debre Tabor Comprehensive specialized hospital from October 1 - November 30, 2025, were included through face-to-face interviews using a standard structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi Data Version 4.6 and analyzed using SPSS version 25. The Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed with odds ratios, 95% confidence interval and P-values for data analysis.

Result: A total of 422 diabetes mellitus patients participated in the study, yielding a response rate of 100%. Only 127 (30.1%) of the participants had good knowledge, while 245 (58.1%) and 235 (55.7%) demonstrated good attitude and good practice towards glycemic control, respectively. Patients residing in Debre Tabor (AOR = 6.978, 95% CI: 3.264–14.918), patients with a family history of diabetes (AOR = 11.136, 95% CI: 4.829–25.677) and members of diabetes associations (AOR = 4.499, 95% CI: 1.604–12.619) were more likely to have good practices, while widowed participants were 91% less likely to have good practice compared to separated patients (AOR = 0.089, 95% CI: 0.028–0.281).

Conclusion: More than half of the participants demonstrated a good attitude and good practice towards glycemic control, but the overall level of knowledge was notably low. Urban residents, patients with a family history of diabetes, and diabetes association members were more likely to demonstrate good glycemic control practices, while widowed patients were less likely to do so. Strengthening structured diabetes education programs and promoting community and peer-support mechanisms are essential to improve patients’ knowledge and attitude.