AbstractsMedical & Health Science

Perceived Knowledge and Attitudes of Certified Diabetes Educators Regarding Genetic Testing for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

by Jacqueline Rae Martz




Institution: Case Western Reserve University Doctor of Nursing Practice Theses
Department: School of Nursing
Degree: Doctor of Nursing Practice
Year: 2015
Keywords: Nursing; Genetics; genetic testing, attitudes, perceived knowledge, certified diabetes educators, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Record ID: 2062239
Full text PDF: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=casednp1418143271


Abstract

AbstractWith increased longevity and an aging population, type 2 diabetes mellitus is at the forefront of adult onset chronic disease globally, In the United States the ability to respond to this crisis hinges upon the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) proactive approach of identifying individuals who are pre-diabetic and educating them in behavior modification to prevent or delay the disease. Genetic testing could be an important piece of this endeavor. Certified diabetic nurse educations (CDE) are at the front line of this endeavor. The purpose of this study was to examine CDEs perceived knowledge and favorable and reserved attitudes of genetic testing as well as observe for any significant relationships between this perceived knowledge and attitudes toward genetic testing. Questionnaires were mailed to a nationwide sample of certified diabetes educators (n = 2,000); the response rate was 16% (n = 320).The mean perceived knowledge score was 7.24 (SD = 4.98) on a scale of 0 to 22. The favourable attitudes mean score was 25.3 (SD = 3.67) on a scale of 6 to 30; the reserved attitudes mean score was 20.7 (SD = 3.51) on a scale of 7 to 35. No significant relationships were found between perceived knowledge and attitudes.Conclusions: The results identified that there is a need for education programs related to genetic testing for T2DM for CDEs as well as a need to include informationregarding genetic testing for chronic diseases in all undergraduate nursing programs. Recommendations for further research are provided.