Awareness of diabetes mellitus among the non-diabetic young population of various universities of Lahore

Abstract

Background: Diabetes is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in the world with a considerably higher rate of mortality and morbidity. The lack of awareness regarding signs and symptoms and the impact of a sedentary lifestyle on the onset of diabetes is a major reason why young people are developing diabetes nowadays. This study will help to identify the gaps in the knowledge of diabetes in the young population. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the awareness of diabetes mellitus among the non-diabetic young population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was completed in 6 months from 1st January 2019 to 1st July 2019. In this survey 157 participants were selected through convenience sampling from the University of Lahore, University of South Asia, and Comsat University. Data was collected after taking informed written consent. The questionnaire consisted of questions regarding demographic data, general knowledge, risk factors, symptoms, complications, precautions, lifestyle, and non-medical measures. Data analysis and coding were done through SPSS version 25. Result: The research shows that out of a total of 157 participants 64% of non-diabetics had poor knowledge, 34% had medium knowledge and 2% of participants had good knowledge regarding awareness of diabetes mellitus. 33 (21%) were male and 124 (79%) were female. The participants had a mean age of 25.5 years. 103 (65.6%) belong to the urban area while the remaining 54 (34.4%) belong to the rural area. The current research reveals that the mean score regarding diabetes knowledge in the young population is 9.78 ± 4.78 out of a total score of 24. Conclusion: In the presenting research serious level of unawareness was found in the young population regarding diabetes. More than 1/3rd of the participants answered that they don’t know about the general knowledge, risk factors, symptoms, complications, precautions, lifestyle, and non-medical measures of diabetes. Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Awareness, young population, non-diabetics.