Educational program for patients with type-1 diabetes mellitus receiving free monthly supplies of insulin improves knowledge and attitude, but not adherence.

BACKGROUND: Though patients attending a diabetic clinic in a tertiary care hospital were given free monthly supplies of insulin, it was found that their glycemic control was poor. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective interventional study was carried out at the outpatient clinic in a tertiary care hospital. AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of a six month educational interventional program on the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) of type-1 diabetic patients receiving free monthly supplies of human insulin and to assess their adherence. METHODOLOGY: Sixty-seven type-1 diabetics, receiving free insulin vials each month, were recruited. The patients' baseline glycemic index, plasma insulin and KAP scores were determined using a validated questionnaire. The patients were educated about the disease and use of insulin for the next six months. In the seventh month, the KAP questionnaire was readministered and blood parameters measured. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin and plasma insulin were compared by paired t tests. Mean KAP scores by Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test. Difference in the proportion of patients answering the items was compared using test of proportions for dependant groups. RESULTS: The overall mean scores (+/- SE) increased from 30.8 +/- 0.5 to 42.2 +/- 0.4 (P < 0.001). The improvement in practice scores, though significant, was marginal, that is, from 17.7 +/- 0.3 to 18.8 +/- 0.3. In three out of the ten items under practice domain, only the manner in which vials were being stored at home showed significant improvement (P < 0.0001). The adherence to the insulin regimen increased from 82 to 86%, but was not significant. Patients cited financial reasons for nonadherence. CONCLUSION: The study showed that a planned educational intervention in type-1 diabetics, receiving monthly supplies of insulin free of charge, did not improve the key aspects of the practice component, even though the knowledge and attitude improved.