Abstract
Background: To begin an educational program for diabetic patients, the assessment of their current level of knowledge (K), attitude (A), and practice (P) was necessary. Objectives: This research aimed to estimate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of the general public, because of diabetes mellitus. Methods: A convenient sampling method was used to select 384 of every single person who was admitted to a research, educational and medical center, in the western north of Tehran, in 2018. KAP questionnaire on diabetes was completed, and the level of KAP was evaluated in diabetic and non-diabetic people using SPSS software. Results: The overall mean (± SD) of the knowledge, attitude, and practice was 12.13 ± 3.84, 5.52 ± 5 and 10.68 ± 51.96, respectively. Several linear regressions in the two groups for the total knowledge scores, total attitudes scores, and total practice scores displayed several significant (adjusted) associations. Conclusions: The results of this study showed that we need to increase the knowledge and attitude of patients with diabetes about a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and weight loss.