Diabetes Mellitus Risk Assessment Among Egyptians Versus Saudi Arabians Nursing Employees: Comparative Study

Purpose: Diabetes mellitus is the uppermost vital public health challenges in the world. More than 150 million
adults are affected and the total number is predicted to double in the next 25 years. The present study aiming to
assess the diabetes mellitus risk among Egyptians versus Saudi Arabian's nursing employees. Methods: A
convenient sample of 150 employees from each country were collected. The study was conducted at faculties of
Nursing at Menoufia University, Egypt and Jouf University, Kingdom of Saudia Arabia. Two tools were utilized
for data collection, self-administered questionnaire and self-risk assessment screening score. Results: Both groups
had a good total knowledge score (74% of Egyptians vs. 58% of Saudi Arabians) with a statistically significant
difference. More than half of Egyptians had negative attitude compared to nearly half of Saudi Arabians who had
a positive attitude. Nearly two-thirds of Egyptians had good practice vs. 44% of Saudi Arabians who had a bad
practice. More than two-thirds of Egyptians vs. more than three-fourths of Saudi Arabians were scored high risk
for diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Based on the findings, there were statistically significant differences among
Egyptians versus Saudi Arabian's nursing employees in total knowledge, practice and attitude scores of diabetes
mellitus. Total risk assessment screening score of diabetes mellitus has shown a statistically significant difference
between both groups. Recommendations: Large-scale awareness programs should be implemented after
identifying the appropriate means to spread the message to the common population about all aspects of diabetes.