Abstract
ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine the level of knowledge and awareness of type 2 diabetes among undergraduate students and to investigate demographic and lifestyle variables associated with students’ level of knowledge and awareness.DesignStudents from the University of Ghana (n = 726) were administered questionnaires to assess their knowledge and awareness in specific aspects of type 2 diabetes, namely, symptoms, treatment and complications of the illness.Main Outcome MeasuresLevel of type 2 diabetes knowledge and awareness.ResultsKnowledge and awareness were higher for diabetes treatment (than for diabetes symptoms and complications), with females having more knowledge and awareness than males. Significant differences were also found in the level of knowledge and awareness of students based on their discipline of study but not the number of years of study in the university. Also, students who engaged in physical exercise showed a higher level of general knowledge and awareness of type 2 diabetes. Finally, a family history of diabetes resulted in more knowledge and awareness of type 2 diabetes.ConclusionsEducation in type 2 diabetes is needed to make individuals more aware of the illness and take preventive measures. The fact that participants’ discipline of study produced differences in diabetes knowledge and awareness, suggests how education can make a difference in creating awareness.
Highlights
Background/rationaleDiabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterised by chronic high blood glucose levels, due to deficiency in insulin secretion, insulin action or both (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2016)
Level of knowledge and awareness of type 2 diabetes was assessed in specific aspects of diabetes, namely, diabetes symptoms, treatment and complications
Participants had more knowledge and awareness of diabetes treatment than diabetes symptoms and complications. This is consistent with studies that have reported lack of knowledge and awareness of diabetes in for instance, Omani adults (Al Shafaee et al, 2008) and Jordanians students (Al-Sarayra & Khalidi, 2012), but contrary to findings of above average knowledge of diabetes, in a student population in Iraq (Mohammed et al, 2018) and among civil servants in Nigeria (Agu et al, 2014)
Summary
Background/rationaleDiabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterised by chronic high blood glucose levels, due to deficiency in insulin secretion, insulin action or both (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2016). The causes of type 2 diabetes are not completely understood but are widely believed to result from a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors (IDF, 2017). Type 2 diabetes is on the increase as a result of obesity, aging, physical inactivity, history of gestational diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, family history of diabetes and race/ethnicity (CDC, 2011). Modifying factors such as obesity, poor diet and nutrition, physical inactivity, smoking, among others, can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes (IDF, 2017). African Americans, are for instance 1.7 times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than Whites are, and they are more likely to experience more disabilities from complications of diabetes (Centers for Diseases and Prevention [CDC], 2011). Over the past 30 years, prevalence of diabetes among blacks have quadrupled (IDF, 2013)
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