Knowledge about risk factors, symptoms and complications of diabetes among adults in South India -

Background: Diabetes is a major public health problem in India. However, awareness on diabetes is still remaining as a challenge in Indian population. Aims & Objective: This study aimed to assess the knowledge about risk factors, symptoms and complications of diabetes and its association with socio-demographic factors. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at Neelambur, south India. A total of 500 adults were randomly selected and interviewed using a pretested specifically designed questionnaire. Results: Of 500 participants interviewed, 42.4% perceived high consumption of sugar as an important risk factor for developing diabetes. Only 54.4%, 47.8%, 58.4%, 53.6% and 45.4% perceived presence of family history of diabetes, obesity, increasing age, physical inactivity and stress as risk factors for diabetes. Majority of them felt slow healing of wound as a symptom for diabetes, but feeling of thirst, frequent urination and tiredness as a symptom for diabetes were identified by only 58.6%, 73.8%, and 73.8% respectively. Only 59.6% of participants understood that diabetes could produce complications. A higher education and presence of family history of diabetes were found to be positively associated with more diabetes knowledge. Conclusion: This study highlights that there is a lack of awareness of major risk factors for diabetes. Level of education and presence of family history of diabetes are the most significant factors associated with knowledge regarding risk factors, symptoms and complications of diabetes. Massive diabetes health education programs are urgently needed in this population.