Knowledge and attitudes of Croatian nurses toward hypo-glycemia management: a cross-sectional study
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Majić, Karla
Car, Mate
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Hypoglycemia remains the most frequent acute complication of diabetes, particularly among insulin-treated patients, with significant implications for morbidity, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. Nurses play a critical frontline role in its recognition and management, yet their competence varies widely. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of Croatian nurses regarding hypoglycemia management and to identify key demographic and professional predictors. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey following CHERRIES guidelines of 317 nurses across Croatia using a validated 26-item knowledge test and a 6-item attitude scale. Descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney U tests, and standardized effect sizes were used to assess group differences. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models examined the independent effects of education, sex, experience, and workplace setting. Results: The mean knowledge score was 66.9% (SD = 17.8), and the mean attitude score was 3.42 (SD = 0.70) on a 5-point scale. Nurses with tertiary education had significantly higher odds of achieving adequate knowledge (OR = 68.3, 95% CI: 19.9–234.2) and more favorable attitudes (β = +1.02, p < 0.001). Female sex had a small independent effect on knowledge (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.02–6.62), while experience and workplace setting were not significant predictors. Conclusions: Although overall knowledge and attitudes were moderately positive, substantial disparities persist, particularly across educational levels. Clinical Practice Implications: These findings support integrating structured hypoglycemia training into nursing curricula and in-service programs to improve patient safety.
Date Issued
2025-07-03
Date Acceptance
2025-06-25
Citation
Diabetology, 2025, 6 (7)
ISSN
2673-4540
Publisher
MDPI
Journal / Book Title
Diabetology
Volume
6
Issue
7
Copyright Statement
© 2025 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
License URL
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 65
Date Publish Online
2025-07-03