Diabetes knowledge and associated factors in adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes in Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso)

Background: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) in youth is becoming a public health problem in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Burkina Faso. However, little is known about the level of knowledge of these patients on T1D. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge of diabetes in adolescents and young adults about the disease, and identify the factors associated in Burkina Faso. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to June 2020 among youth with T1D, aged 10 to 30 years, and regularly followed in the internal medicine department of Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Data was collected using the French AJD validated diabetes knowledge and skills (DKS) questionnaire, which brings together several themes as generalities of diabetes, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, the management of insulin treatment, and self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG). DKS level was determined by calculating the scores, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to explore factors influencing DKS scores. Results Sixty-three participants with a mean age of 19.05 years and a sex ratio (W/M) of 1.17 were included in our study. The mean HbA1c level at the last contact was 9.79%, and 43 (68.23%) patients had an insufficient DKS level. About the sections of the DKS questionnaire, the mean score of each theme was respectively 50% for the item “generalities of diabetes”, 32.4% for the item “hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia”, 67.72% for the item “diet”, 37.34% for the item “management of insulin treatment” and 44.97% for the item “SMBG”. In univariate analysis, a better patient score was associated with university education and long duration (> 10 years) of follow-up (p < 0.05). Only age remain associated with a better knowledge score (p < 0.05) in multivariate analysis. Conclusion The study identified a significant need to develop relevant therapeutic education program on T1D for youth in Burkina Faso to help them manage the condition hence averting long term complications.