Assessing Awareness and Utilization of Preventive Services, Complications, and Risk Factors Among Diabetic Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Preventive care measurements such as vaccinations and health procedures play a significant part in controlling complications and reducing risk factors in diabetic patients. Objectives: To assess awareness and utilization of proven preventive services in diabetic patients and to assess complications and risk factors in diabetic patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted among diabetic patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study setting was Primary Health Care Centers in Jeddah Saudi Arabia. The study duration was from November 2018 to January 2020. Data were collected by volunteer students, interns and doctors who were trained for interviews using the questionnaire that was specifically designed for this study. 623 participants were included in the study fulfilling the criteria. The demographic details, complications, risk factors, and assessment of preventive service use among diabetic patients were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 623 participants, 253 received influenza vaccine, 93 participants received pneumococcal vaccine, 94 participants received Meningococcal vaccine and 60 participants received DTAP vaccine with p-value <0.001. 75 participants had done mammograms, 51 people had done colonoscopy, 65 participants had done fecal occult blood and 37 participants had done Prostate-specific antigen procedure with p-value <0.001. Hypertension was present in the majority of participants accessed by physicians. Conclusions: Overall, the study's findings show that diabetic patients need to be more aware of and more likely to use preventative care. The low rates of vaccines and preventive procedures point to a potential weakness in patient education and healthcare delivery.