Publication:

Awareness, practices and treatment seeking behavior of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Shimla

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a growing global health issue, with its management and outcomes influenced by socio-demographic factors, healthcare access, and diabetes-related knowledge. These factors vary between rural and urban populations, leading to disparities in disease progression and complications. This study explores the awareness, practices, and treatment-seeking behaviors of T2DM patients in Shimla, focusing on the differences between rural and urban populations.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at Atal institute of medical super-specialities Shimla with 100 participants diagnosed with T2DM, consisting of 50 rural and 50 urban individuals. Data were collected through structured interviews and medical record reviews. Variables assessed included socio-demographic factors (age, gender, education, family structure), clinical characteristics (BMI, smoking habits), diabetes knowledge (symptoms, complications), and treatment-seeking behaviors. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and independent t tests, with a significance level of p<0.05.

Results The results revealed significant differences between rural and urban populations. Urban participants had better diabetes-related knowledge, particularly recognizing symptoms such as unexplained weight loss (28.9% vs. 14.5%, p=0.04) and complications like kidney damage (64.4% vs. 34.5%, p=0.001). Urban participants were more likely to seek treatment due to complications (13.3% vs. 3.6%, p=0.04), while rural participants were more likely to seek care due to fear of complications (50.9% vs. 37.8%, p=0.09).

Conclusions This study underscores the need for targeted diabetes education and healthcare interventions, particularly in rural areas, to improve disease management and reduce fear-based treatment-seeking. Addressing these disparities will help both rural and urban populations better manage T2DM.