AWARENESS OF DIABETIC NEUROPATHY IN RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA

Background: Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is the first long-term complication of DM. It can affect any part of the nervous system.

Objective: To assess the level of awareness among the general population including diabetic and non-diabetic groups regarding Diabetic neuropathy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study collected data from Riyadh region, Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic, diabetic history, source of information, and level of knowledge were the variables in the present study. A web site (raosoft) was used to calculate the sample size. All the statistical analysis of data was carried out using the software package for social sciences SPSS, version 26.0 by IBM. The current study is approved by the international review board (IRB) at Shaqra University, Saudi Arabia.

Results: A total of (759) responses were analysed. The median age was (28 IQR=23-35). All of a Saudi nationality. Only (10.3%) were diabetics. The median for total knowledge score was (3, IQR=0-6). The scores were divided into three categories; poor (0-3), moderate (4-6) and good (7-9) levels of knowledge. Half of the participants (50.2%) had poor level of knowledge about DN, (31.6%) had moderate level of knowledge, while only (18.2%) had a good level of knowledge.

Conclusion: The general knowledge about diabetic neuropathy among Saudi population in Riyadh was found to be unsatisfactory, with only (18.2%) had a good level of knowledge. Thus, more attention should be payed towards face-to-face education of the diabetics regarding diabetes complications and their warning signs.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus – Diabetic neuropathy – Riyadh – Saudi Arabia