Publication:

A community based study on perceived knowledge of diabetes on cause, control, prevention and complications among diabetic patients in Bengaluru city

Background The numbers of diabetes mellitus cases are increasing among all sections of Indian population. The knowledge about the disease, associated complications and co-morbidities are not satisfactory among the public including diabetic patients. The objective of the study was to assess the perceived knowledge and determining factors on onset, control, prevention and complications of diabetes mellitus in urban area of Bengaluru.

Methods A cross sectional, descriptive and community based study with a sample size 770 randomly selected known diabetics was conducted during May to July 2016 in Bengaluru city by direct interviewing them at their doorsteps using pretested questionnaire. The data contained information about the socio-demographic profile, knowledge about the warning signs, complications, controllability, consequences and co morbidities. Data was analysed in SPSS version 18.

Results There were 43.7% and 57.5% of males and females respectively. Seventy percent of females were homemakers and two third were literates. The maximum numbers of subjects were in the age group of 41-60 years with mean age of 56±11.6 years.  Family history of diabetes was present among 40%. The median duration of diabetes was 48 months (range 1 to 360) and 38% of the subjects had co morbid conditions related to cardiovascular diseases and other systems. The perceived knowledge related to prevention, complications, consequences and controllability of diabetes was not adequate in relation to their literacy status, family history and duration of diabetes. The overall perceived knowledge was better among females than male subjects.

Conclusions The perceived knowledge about the different aspects of diabetes care at the personal level of diabetics were inadequate and needs periodic counselling as intervention measures.