Browsing by Author "Alachew, Kalkidan"

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    Self-Identification and Management of Hypoglycemia Symptoms among Insulin or Sulphonylurea Treated Diabetic Patients Holding a Valid Driving License; A Multicentre KAP Survey.
    (Addis Abeba University, 2021-07) Alachew, Kalkidan; Dr.Demssie, Yared; Dr.Kebede, Tedla; Dr.Tarekegn, Getahun; Dr.Gulilat, Amare; Dr.Guta, Tsega
    Background- Diabetic patients on sulphonylureas and insulin are at higher risk of hypoglycemic events. The body’s response to hypoglycemia include neuroglycopenic symptoms which can affect the capacity of the individual to operate motor vehicles. The level of knowledge about the dangers of driving in relation to hypoglycemia and the appropriate way to manage it among diabetic patients in Ethiopia is not known Objective-This survey aims to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice of insulin/sulphonylurea treated diabetic patients in relation to identifying and managing symptoms of hypoglycemia Method-This is a multicenter KAP survey which will use data collected from 100 completed questionnaires from two different centers between September 2020 and March 2021. The result will be analyzed and reported as proportions for each item in the questionnaire and comparison between the groups will be made using the Chi- square test using SPSS version 21.A P value of <0.05 will be used for statistical significance Results-Among 106 participants, less than half (49%) identified more than half of the hypoglycemia symptoms, with only 6% knowing all of the symptoms listed in the questionnaire. Regarding having experienced hypoglycemia symptoms while driving, 23( 22% )said they did, with the majority of these still not carrying glucometer while driving(78%) and never checking blood sugar before driving ( 81%). An equal percentage said they always carry hypoglycemia treatment in the car when driving and never ( 48% Vs 41%). Having had previous hypoglycemia while driving was associated with more people carrying some form of treatment in the car ( p-<0.01). The majority of participants ( 65%) said they'd stop, eat some food or have a sugary drink and then rest for at least half an hour before driving again if they experienced hypoglycemia while driving. More than half of the participants ( 54%)have never received any advice on hypoglycemia and driving despite holding a valid driving license. Conclusion-There is a wide gap in knowledge and practice when it comes to preventing and treating hypoglycemia among diabetic patients getting care both in private and government hospitals .Frequent and adequate education on the risks associated with hypoglycemia while driving could improve the practices and should be given to all patient attending diabetic clinics. In the future, the motor vehicle driving licensing authority should mandate evidence of awareness of hypoglycemia and effective measures to mitigate the risk related to driving as a necessary requirement for renewal of licenses. should also mandate evidence that proper education has been received in these patients before renewal of their licenses