Evaluation of Knowledge of Type 2 Diabetes among University Students in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of knowledge of university students about risk factors, signs and symptoms, and impact of diabetes in Punjab, Pakistan. A cross-sectional study design was used for this study. Population of the study was students who were enrolled in public and private universities in Punjab. A multistage sampling method was used for this study. Total 1260 students were selected randomly among which 1087 respondents completed the self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test were used through Statistical Package of Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0. The results of the study showed that 544 (50%) respondents were females, most respondents 617 (56.7%) were between 20-23 years old, 589 (54.2%) respondents were studying at undergraduate level, 435 (40%) respondents had poor economic status, 1006 (92.5%) respondents were single, 813 (4.8%) respondents never got their sugar level checked, and 696 (64%) respondents had family history of diabetes. Findings of the study also indicated that most of the respondents 77.9% had inadequate knowledge about risk factors of type 2 diabetes, 73.4% respondents had inadequate knowledge of signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes, and 72.2% respondents had inadequate knowledge of impact of diabetes. Chi-square test showed that level of knowledge of diabetes was associated with gender (p < .001), education (p < .001), marital status (p < .001), ever checking of sugar (p < .001), and family history of diabetes (p < .001). The study concluded that majority of the respondents had inadequate knowledge of diabetes. Therefore, there is a need of educational programs and awareness sessions for university students. It will be helpful in enhancing students’ knowledge and reducing the prevalence of diabetes in the future of Pakistan.