Glycosylated hemoglobin test awareness and practice among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Glycosylated hemoglobin test (HbA1c) is the gold standard biochemical marker of glycemic control among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Despite, the public awareness created by Government and private organizations regarding the prevention of diabetes complications, most patients with DM never heard of HbA1c. Hence this study aimed to assess knowledge and practice about glycosylated hemoglobin test and its association with selected demographic variables among type 2 diabetic patients. Totally 200 patients (121 male and 79 female) with type 2 DM were selected by using convenience sampling technique, who met the inclusion criteria. The data were collected through an online form using a structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. After collection, data was analyzed and summarized. The overall mean and standard deviation of knowledge regarding glycosylated hemoglobin test was 47.4±16.67. Mean and standard deviation of good knowledge was 81.32±6.38, for average knowledge level 57.66±6.93 and for poor knowledge 35.34 ± 5.81. Among them, 97 (48.5%) patients had done the HbA1c test and only 23 (11.5%) were known about the result of the test and it was ranged between seven to ten percent. There was a significant association between the level of knowledge with selected demographic variables such as education and duration of DM at P<0.001 and P<0.05 respectively. The results evidenced that most patients with DM had inadequate knowledge and poor practice regarding glycosylated hemoglobin test. It is very important to address about HbA1c test and its need for regular practice among patients, to monitor and combat DM effectively.