Abstract
Aim of Study: To assess knowledge of parents of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) children about diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 385 parents of T1DM children attending the Diabetes Center in Abha City. A questionnaire was designed in simple Arabic Language by the researcher. It included personal data and knowledge about DKA.
Results: More than one-third of parents (37.9%) had poor grade of knowledge regarding DKA. Their main knowledge deficits were related to normal range of fasting and post-prandial blood sugar, normal range for HbA1c, when the diabetic child should see a doctor and causes of DKA. Characteristics that were significantly associated with lower parents' knowledge included being a father, aged >40 years, less than university educated, unemployed or those whose occupation was not healthcare-related, and having a monthly income <5000 SR.
Conclusions: Parents' knowledge about DKA is suboptimal. Some characteristics are significantly associated with lower knowledge regarding diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis, i.e., being a father of a diabetic child, older parents, being less educated or unemployed parents, those whose occupation is not healthcare-related, having low monthly income and having diabetic siblings.
Recommendations: Health education to T1DM patients and their guardians should be fulfilled. It must cover information related to independent management of diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis and how to identify symptoms of DKA.