Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Regarding Insulin Use among Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by persistent hyperglycaemia due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, and it remains a major global public health challenge, with India contributing a substantial share of the overall disease burden. This cross-sectional study assessed the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding insulin use among patients with diabetes mellitus at ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore (January 2025–January 2026). A structured questionnaire evaluating 4 knowledge, 2 attitude, and 3 practice items (maximum score: 9) was administered to 100 patients on insulin therapy. The mean duration of diabetes was 13.44 ± 6.88 years, and insulin use was 55.37 ± 33.84 months. The mean knowledge, attitude, practice, and total KAP scores were 1.45 ± 0.91, 1.01 ± 0.64, 1.35 ± 0.81, and 3.81 ± 1.45, respectively. Only 6% of participants knew correct insulin storage, while safe needle reuse and proper disposal were observed in 37% and 45% of patients, respectively. Significant gaps in knowledge and practices were identified despite moderate attitude scores. These findings highlight the need for structured, repeated, and demonstration-based patient education to improve safe insulin use.