Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Insulin Pen Devices Among Nurses in Tertiary Hospital of Karachi

Abstract

Background: Limited data exist in Pakistan regarding nurses’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to insulin pen devices, despite their pivotal role in diabetes care.

Purpose: We aim to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of insulin pen devices among nurses in a tertiary care hospital. The study findings can guide educators and administrators in developing targeted nurse training in Pakistan.

Methodology: This observational cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences in Karachi. All registered nurses of either gender who consented to participate and had a minimum of one year of experience were included in the study. The knowledge and attitudes of the nurses were assessed on the basis of their personal encounters with patients diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and their use of insulin pen devices.

Results: A total of 246 nurses completed the survey. The majority were aged 30-40 years (n = 138, 56.09%), and most were female (51.2%), single (53.6%), and resided in urban areas (78%). Additionally, 75.6% held a bachelor's degree, and 12.19% were head nurses. Approximately 192 nurses (78%) reported personal connections with diabetes patients, with doctors being the primary information source (48.8%). Approximately 73.2% felt confident in teaching the technical skills required to use insulin pen devices to their colleagues. However, only 29.27% reported using these devices in practice, whereas 71.13% found it easier to measure insulin compared with vials and syringes. Nearly 97.56% believed that insulin pens are convenient for patients to carry while traveling.

Conclusions: The nurses demonstrated good knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding diabetes mellitus and the use of insulin pen devices among diabetes mellitus patients. Improved nurse knowledge and skills in insulin pen use can reduce errors, enhance patient education, and improve glycemic control. Therefore, identified gaps in attitude and practice highlight the need for structured training to ensure safer insulin use and better diabetes outcomes.