EXPLORING KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES, AND PRACTICES REGARDING DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG THE GENERAL POPULATION: A CROSS-SECTIONAL INVESTIGATION.

Abstract

Background: Diabetes type 2 (T2DM) is a global pandemic that causes severe disability and early death. This study examined general population diabetes knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP). This knowledge helps develop and implement diabetes prevention strategies.

Methods: A cross-sectional investigation was conducted at KBN University, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India. Participants in this trial were previously healthy, literate people who had not attended a diabetes education program in the previous two years.

Results: The study comprised 277 individuals in total. The majority (77%) knew about diabetes mellitus either moderately (39%) or more than moderately (38%). Age and gender did not significantly correlate with knowledge, even though education level was positively and strongly associated with knowledge (p = 0.001). In contrast to knowledge, the majority of people (90%) had a negative attitude regarding diabetes, and education level had no discernible impact on this attitude. In terms of behaviors, over half of the participants never had their blood sugar checked, over 65% used to consume huge amounts of refined sugar, and 80% did not regularly exercise.

Conclusion: The majority (77%) had knowledge of diabetes that was either moderate or above moderate, but 88% of them had negative views regarding the disease. More than half of the research participants did not engage in any preventive steps, suggesting that increased awareness about diabetes did not convert into healthy habits. As a result, the general public's negative attitudes and behaviors around diabetes mellitus in India need to be addressed with greater emphasis.

Recommendations: Since most participants knew about diabetes but disliked it, tailor education. To close the general population's knowledge-health behavior gap, encourage regular blood sugar readings and sugar reduction. Promote proactive, constructive diabetes management by improving awareness of its importance and effects.