Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a progressive metabolic disorder with a close association with cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is considered the most prevalent cause of mortality and morbidity in diabetic populations. This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practice of type 2 diabetic patients toward cardiovascular complications of DM in Alahsa, Saudi Arabia.
Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Alahsa, Saudi Arabia, during September and November 2020. A total of 379 cases were collected using an Arabic questionnaire tool. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software.
Result: All patients were aware that they had type 2 diabetes. Regarding diabetic complications, the most reported was hypertension. 54.6% of the patients had good awareness level regarding diabetes and its complications. Good awareness was detected among patients with a university level of education and patients with a positive family history of diabetes.
Conclusion: More than half of the participants had good knowledge regarding DM and its complications in our current study. Age, gender, educational level, and family history of DM were significant predictors of awareness about complications of DM. However, because incidence and prevalence rates of diabetes in Saudi Arabia are increased, attention and understanding are needed.

Key words: Knowledge, attitude, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular complications, Saudi Arabia