Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge and learning needs on coronary artery disease in diabetic patients by glycemic control.
METHODS
The subjects consisted of 188 patients at the hospital who had diabetes mellitus. Data was obtained using a knowledge and learning needs questionnaire from January to April 2006.
RESULTS
Treatment method, the levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG), and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (PP2hr) showed meaningful differences between normo-glycemic group(HbA1c<7%) and hyper-glycemic group (HbA1c> or =7%). The levels of knowledge on coronary artery disease by glycemic control tend to show higher in normo-glycemic group. Etiology and prevention of coronary artery disease were significantly higher in normo- glycemic group than in hyper-glycemic group. The levels of learning needs on coronary artery disease by glycemic control tend to show higher in normo-glycemic group. The learning needs on items of diet control were higher in normo-glycemic group than in hyper-glycemic group.
CONCLUSION
On the base of these results, we should focus on the coronary artery disease education for hyper-glycemic group. Also individual coronary artery disease educational program should be developed for the patients with different level of knowledge and learning needs.

• Keywords: Coronary disease; Diabetes mellitus; Knowledge; Learning; Needs