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Diabetes knowledge and attitudes among pharmacy students in Northern Cyprus: a cross-sectional study
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DOI：10.1186/s12909-026-10145-6.png)
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Abstract
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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major global public health challenge associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. As pharmacists play a key role in diabetes management, assessing pharmacy students’ knowledge and attitudes is essential to ensure effective future care. This study aimed to evaluate student pharmacists’ knowledge and attitudes toward DM in Northern Cyprus. A cross-sectional study was conducted between November 2023 and January 2024 among fourth- and fifth-year pharmacy students from three universities in Northern Cyprus. Diabetes-related knowledge was assessed using a structured questionnaire, and attitudes were evaluated using the Diabetes Attitude Scale (DAS). Knowledge scores were calculated across four domains, and participants’ responses were compared according to academic year and sociodemographic characteristics using Chi-square tests, independent-samples t tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Effect sizes and post-hoc analyses were performed where applicable. A total of 265 students participated. Overall, student pharmacists demonstrated a moderate level of diabetes-related knowledge (19.20/26), with stronger performance in risk factors and signs and symptoms and lower performance in general knowledge and selected complications. Knowledge was highest for risk factors (5.81/7) and signs and symptoms (5.78/7), followed by complications (4.30/6), while general knowledge showed the lowest score (3.50/6). Students demonstrated strong awareness of common symptoms and risk factors, although gaps remained in treatment-related knowledge and selected diabetes complications. Fifth-year students showed significantly better awareness of retinopathy and neuropathy compared with fourth-year students. The mean DAS scores indicated generally positive attitudes, with the highest score observed for the need for special training (4.53 ± 0.62) and the lowest for the value of tight glycemic control (3.15 ± 0.64). Significant differences were observed across DAS subscales (p < 0.001). Student pharmacists demonstrated generally good diabetes-related knowledge and positive attitudes; however, important gaps remained in practical aspects of diabetes management and selected complications. Addressing these gaps through experiential and patient-centered learning approaches may further enhance students’ preparedness to deliver effective diabetes care.
Keywords:
Diabetes mellitus
Public health
Health education
Pharmacy students
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