KNOWLEDGE AND CONCERNS OF NEWLY DIAGNOSED NIDDM PATIENTS IN SINGAPORE

This paper describes the findings of a questionnaire survey of the knowledge and concern of 152 newly diagnosed NIDDM patients presenting at the Government Polyclinic (primary health care centre). This study is part of a project on outpatient diabetic care in Singapore. It was found that 23.7% of the subjects had no education and 51.3% had only primary school education. More than eighty percent of the subjects understood the importance of diet control and weight control in their condition. More than half of the subjects, 61% of males and 52.7% of females were aware that diabetes could not be cured and that once diabetes is controlled, that medication cannot be stopped and that one must still take the medication even if one feels well. Less than 30% knew about the interpretation of blood and urine sugar findings. The two major concerns amongst the subjects were complications and the need for long-term medication. These findings will be incorporated into the next phase of the project where a health education programme for NIDDM patients will be developed and evaluated.