Knowledge, Attitude and Quality of life among newly Type 2 Diabetic patients attending diabetic clinics at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania

ALLEN RWEYENDERA CHRISTIAN^1,2*Peter Chilipweli^3*Greyson Gwahula¹Faraja Alexander¹Yacinter Vedastus¹Raymond Maziku¹Monica Mukama¹Edwin Silas¹Illuminata Kafumu⁴Alphonce Ngerecha⁴Ally Tuwa⁵Hyasinta Jaka⁴Samuel Elias Kalluvya⁴

• ¹School of Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), Bugando, Tanzania
• ²Development of Research and Consultancy, Community Health and Development Foundation (CHADF), Mwanza, Tanzania
• ³Department of Community Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), Bugando, Tanzania
• ⁴Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), Bugando, Tanzania
• ⁵Department of Public Health, Mwanza College of Health and Allied Sciences (MWACHAS), Mwanza, Tanzania

ABSTRACT Background: The World Health Organization projects a significant increase in diabetes prevalence worldwide, especially in developing countries. Various studies have explored the prevalence and impact of Type 2 diabetes, revealing significant geographical disparities in the incidence and management of the disease.Thus, aim of this study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and quality of life among newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic patients attending diabetic clinics at Bugando Medical Centre (BMC) in Mwanza, Tanzania. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic patients attending BMC diabetic clinics from September 2024 to November 2024. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that includes validated instruments such as the Diabetes Knowledge Test (DKT), the Diabetes Attitude Scale (DAS), and the WHOQol for measuring QoL. The questionnaire captured demographic and clinical characteristics data, diabetes knowledge, attitudes towards the disease, and QoL indicators. Statistical analysis was performed to identify correlations between knowledge, attitude, and QoL. Results: This study involved 150 newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic patients at Bugando Medical Centre. The median age was 62 years (IQR 57–68), with 63.3% female and 92% married. Most participants had primary education (49.7%) and resided in urban areas (82%). Clinically, 66% had hypertension, and the median BMI was 28.4 kg/m², indicating overweight/obesity. The median HbA1c level was 7.4% (IQR 6.9–8.8).In terms of knowledge, the median score was 9 (IQR 7–10), with 69.3% having moderate knowledge, 29.3% high, and 1.3% low knowledge. . The overall QoL median score was 3.2 (IQR 2.8–3.5), indicating average well-being, with challenges in the environmental domain requiring targeted interventions. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant challenges faced by newly diagnosed Type 2 diabetic patients at Bugando Medical Centre, including knowledge gaps, negative attitudes, and poor quality of life, particularly in the physical and environmental domains. The findings emphasize the need for comprehensive educational initiatives and psychological support to enhance self-management. Targeted interventions, especially for vulnerable groups like female patients, along with a multidisciplinary care approach, can improve diabetes management and overall well-being.