Assessment of Knowledge among Final Year Nursing Students Regarding Diabetes Mellitus in Nursing Institutions of Peshawar

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major global chronic disease associated with substantial morbidity and mortality, and nurses play a key role in diabetes prevention, education, and complication management; however, inadequate diabetes knowledge among nursing students may compromise clinical preparedness. Objective: To assess the level of knowledge regarding diabetes mellitus among final-year nursing students across KMU constituent and affiliated nursing institutes in Peshawar and to explore associations with educational engagement factors. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among final-year nursing students using a validated diabetes knowledge questionnaire. A total of 329 participants from 13 institutes completed the survey (response rate 87.2%). Knowledge was categorized as good (14–16), average (12–13), and poor (<12). Descriptive statistics were reported, correlation analysis examined associations between interest and teacher satisfaction, and regression evaluated the relationship between workshop attendance and knowledge score. Results: The mean age was 22.9 ± 1.519 years and 59.3% were male. Good knowledge was observed in 28.9% (n=95), average in 28.9% (n=95), and poor in 42.2% (n=139). Most students were interested in diabetes (76.9%) and satisfied with teachers (64.7%), with a positive correlation between satisfaction and interest (r=0.199, p<0.001). Workshop attendance was low (15.5%) and was not significantly associated with higher knowledge scores (B=−0.393, p=0.056). Conclusion: A substantial proportion of final-year nursing students demonstrated poor diabetes knowledge, highlighting the need for strengthened curriculum delivery and competency-based training.