OBJECTIVES: To determine the baseline level of awareness amongst a rural community about Diabetes Mellitus (irrespective of type 1 or type 2), its risk factors and complications. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the community of Tarlai, Islamabad, Pakistan, in January of 2008. A structured questionnaire was used and 300 adults (age > or = 18 years) were assessed on their knowledge regarding awareness of Diabetes Mellitus, its risk factors and complications. All data collected was entered into SPSS version 10.0. The data was re-validated and analyzed. RESULTS: Out of the three hundred adults subjected to the survey, only 129 (43%) adults had any awareness of Diabetes Mellitus. Adults with no regular, scheduled exercise were 221 (73.7%) and 256 (85.3%) did not have healthy eating habits. Awareness of risk factors was present in 42 (14%) while awareness of the complications associated with the disease was 65 (22%). Adults which reported as never going for regular checkups to any clinic or hospital were 232 (77%). Family history of diabetes mellitus was statistically significantly associated with awareness about diabetes mellitus (65% vs 32%, p < 0.001), people who were in contact regularly with health care providers were more aware about diabetes and the associated risk factors than those who were not (71% vs 35%, p < 0.001). Sex was not associated (p = 0.28) with awareness about diabetes mellitus, nor was the educational status (p = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of adults were unaware of Diabetes Mellitus itself and associated risk factors. Raising public awareness of the disease through outreach programmes and mass media should be planned and implemented.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the baseline level of awareness amongst a rural community about Diabetes Mellitus (irrespective of type 1 or type 2), its risk factors and complications. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the community of Tarlai, Islamabad, Pakistan, in January of 2008. A structured questionnaire was used and 300 adults (age > or = 18 years) were assessed on their knowledge regarding awareness of Diabetes Mellitus, its risk factors and complications. All data collected was entered into SPSS version 10.0. The data was re-validated and analyzed. RESULTS: Out of the three hundred adults subjected to the survey, only 129 (43%) adults had any awareness of Diabetes Mellitus. Adults with no regular, scheduled exercise were 221 (73.7%) and 256 (85.3%) did not have healthy eating habits. Awareness of risk factors was present in 42 (14%) while awareness of the complications associated with the disease was 65 (22%). Adults which reported as never going for regular checkups to any clinic or hospital were 232 (77%). Family history of diabetes mellitus was statistically significantly associated with awareness about diabetes mellitus (65% vs 32%, p < 0.001), people who were in contact regularly with health care providers were more aware about diabetes and the associated risk factors than those who were not (71% vs 35%, p < 0.001). Sex was not associated (p = 0.28) with awareness about diabetes mellitus, nor was the educational status (p = 0.46). CONCLUSIONS: Majority of adults were unaware of Diabetes Mellitus itself and associated risk factors. Raising public awareness of the disease through outreach programmes and mass media should be planned and implemented.
Authors: Eyitayo Omolara Owolabi; Daniel Ter Goon; Anthony Idowu Ajayi; Oladele Vincent Adeniyi Journal: PLoS One Date: 2022-07-15 Impact factor: 3.752
Authors: Patrick N Ntontolo; Philippe N Lukanu; Gboyega A Ogunbanjo; Jean-Pierre L Fina; Léon N M Kintaudi Journal: Afr J Prim Health Care Fam Med Date: 2017-09-20
Authors: Musarrat Riaz; Abdul Basit; Asher Fawwad; Muhammad Yakoob Ahmedani; Zahara Ali Rizvi Journal: Pak J Med Sci Date: 2014-03 Impact factor: 1.088