Abstract

Background and Aims: Almost seven million persons in Saudi Arabia are diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). Limited knowledge among informal caregivers may adversely influence diabetes management and patient outcomes, yet structured caregiver education remains insufficient. There is a need to discover T2DM informal caregivers’ knowledge and its relation to patients’ T2DM management. This study aimed to assess the level of T2DM knowledge among informal caregivers of Saudi patients and to examine its association with patients’ glycemic control (HbA1C levels). The study was guided by Nursing theories. Methods: A quantitative, correlational design was used. Convenience sampling of 37 caregiver–patient dyads (N = 74) was conducted at primary health centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using self-reported HbA1C values and the Brief Diabetes Knowledge Test. Pearson’s correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: The mean diabetes knowledge score among caregivers was low (M = 8.03), indicating average knowledge. No significant correlation was found between caregiver T2DM knowledge and patients’ HbA1C levels. Multiple regression analysis showed that caregivers aged 31–45 years and those employed as students were significant positive predictors of higher diabetes knowledge scores. Conclusion: The findings demonstrate that informal caregivers possess only moderate knowledge of T2DM management. Further research, including qualitative inquiry, is recommended to explore how caregivers acquire and apply diabetes-related knowledge and how this knowledge may influence patients’ glycemic outcomes.

Keywords: Type 2 Diabetes · HBA1C Levels · Caregivers · Saudi Arabia

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Peer review

Peer reviewed by 2 reviewers, who chose to remain anonymous.

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