Publication:

A cross sectional study to assess knowledge attitude and practices of type 2 diabetes mellitus in urban and rural population of Maharashtra

Background Prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing globally, more so in developing countries like India due to rapid urbanization. As India ranks first in diabetes prevalence and will continue to do so in 2025, we must prevent the disease by various measures. Therefore, prevention is important aspects. The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of patients having type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Methods A cross sectional study was done in the urban and rural health centre among 100 diabetes patients in each. Data were collected regarding their knowledge, attitude and practices about diabetes and associated risk factors. Data was analyzed by SPSS 20 version.

Results Mean age of the study respondents were 50.45 and 52.50 years in urban and rural health centers respectively. We found that most patients are having good knowledge about diabetes mellitus in urban health centre while rural population had low knowledge. Both groups had most subjects with low level of education and low income groups. Very low percent of people know about the complications of diabetes mellitus in both the groups.

Conclusions This study showed that there was good knowledge, attitude and practice in urban and very poor knowledge, attitude and practices in rural about the diabetes which needs to be increased. Life style modification is needed for reducing the complications of diabetes mellitus.