Means of communication for an early detection of diabetic nephropathy among the diabetics followed in the academic hospital of Cotonou

The purpose of this study is to determine the level of knowledge and the means of communication for early detection of diabetic nephropathy. This is a prospective study which took place from 6 February to 31 May 2012, in the Academic Clinics of Nephrology-Hemodialysis and the Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases. Included all patients with diabetes mellitus in two sexes, older than fifteen years and hospitalized in one of these two clinicals or received in consultation during the study period. A questionnaire is used for data collection. Statistical analysis was performed by STATA 11® in its English version. One hundred and sixty patients were enrolled. More than 4 out of 5 patients had reported knowledge of diabetes mellitus while only 26.67% had acknowledged that manifests itself by high glycemia. More than half of the patients (57.50%) had said that diabetes mellitus can be complicated by renal impairment. Three out of four diabetics (75.63%) didn't know that it is possible to make an early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy. The radio and television broadcasts, and sensitizations during medical consultations represented the best means of communication for early detection of diabetic nephropathy. The combination of several means of communication will raise awareness on early detection of diabetic nephropathy. © 2013 Association Société de néphrologie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.