PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Alanazi, Faisal K.
AU  - Alotaibi, Jazi S.
AU  - Paliadelis, Penny
AU  - Alqarawi, Nada
AU  - Alsharari, Abdalkarem
AU  - Albagawi, Bander
TI  - Knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus and its risk factors in Saudi Arabia
AID  - 10.15537/smj.2018.10.22938
DP  - 2018 Oct 01
TA  - Saudi Medical Journal
PG  - 981--989
VI  - 39
IP  - 10
4099  - http://smj.org.sa/content/39/10/981.short
4100  - http://smj.org.sa/content/39/10/981.full
SO  - Saudi Med J2018 Oct 01; 39
AB  - Objectives: To summarize available peer-reviewed publications about public knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus (DM) among the population of Saudi Arabia.Methods: We followed the standard reporting guidelines outlined in the PRISMA statement for the preparation of this systematic review. In February 2018 we conducted literature searches of PubMed, Scopus, BIOSIS Citation Index, and Web of Science using the following keywords: “Knowledge” OR “Awareness” AND “Diabetes Mellitus” AND “Saudi Arabia.” Records were screened, and relevant studies were selected and synthesized narratively.Results: Nineteen articles are included in our systematic review. These studies included the following populations: DM patients (n=13), healthcare workers (n=3), medical students (n=1), secondary school students (n=1), and general population (n=1). Most studies found a lack of public awareness of the risk factors and complications of DM. Among medical students and healthcare workers, knowledge about the epidemiology of the disease and angle of insulin injection was deficient.Conclusion: This review highlights the need for increased knowledge and awareness of DM among the Saudi population. The means of improving knowledge and awareness of DM needs to be integrated into existing healthcare systems and processes to better inform patients, families, and communities about this chronic disease.PROSPERO REG. NO: CRD: 42018098787