Insulin nursing students' evaluation of knowledge practices

Proper administration of insulin is one of the most important factors for maintain the metabolic management. It is crucial of health care personnel and patients with diabetes to be well educated about the importance of insulin, insulin treatment and techniques of insulin injections. The aim of the study was to assess the nursing students? level of knowledge about insulin injection technique and to provide suggestions for improving the students? knowledge about insulin and insulin injection technique. It is a descriptive study. Research population was made of 1st class, 2nd class, 3rd class and 4th class students. It was conducted at the nursing school of a foundation university, located in Istanbul. The study sample comprised of 500 undergraduate nursing students. Data were collected using Student Information Form and an Insulin Injection Technique Questionnaire survey. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 16). The nursing students? knowledge about insulin and insulin injection techniques was at a moderate level. The study found that the level of knowledge of nursing group was better about diabetes description, hypoglycaemia, self-monitoring in diabetes and main education topics for diabetes patients. The level of nursing students knowledge was better about diabetes risk, oral glucose tolerance test, insulin injection techniques. The students without history of health problems had better knowledge about insulin and insulin injection techniques than those with history of health problems. Third and fourth class students had better knowledge about insulin and insulin injection techniques than first and second class students. Courses in the curriculum of nursing schools about diabetes, diabetes risk factors, and diagnosis and treatment will increase the level of knowledge about diabetes nursing students. It is also suggested to support students in improving their skills in insulin injection and providing practical opportunities in clinical trainings.Key words: Diabetes, nursing students, knowledge.