Investigating knowledge deficit in diabetes mellitus type 2 amongst young Australian adolescents, aged 18-25-A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a largely preventable, chronic, and progressive medical condition. However, this preliminary study has been carried out to investigate the knowledge deficit of type 2 DM in Australia, amongst young adults. To investigative knowledge deficit of type 2 DM amongst Australian adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted amongst 18–25-year-olds. Using a random sampling method, 108 young Australian adults were questioned from the local Rotary club via an online survey. A combination of close-ended questions and a multiple-choice self-completed questionnaire were utilised to collate the data through the online survey. Questions were formulated by assuming that participants did not have any medical background. Questions were focused on general knowledge, knowledge of risk factors, knowledge of symptoms, knowledge on complications and knowledge about lifestyle modifications. A total of 108 Australian adolescents completed the survey, of which 64.8% was female & 35.2% was male. The study found that there is a statistically significant difference in the knowledge about diabetes factors between the sexes. None of them had Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background. Analyses of data from this population indicates that that there is a deficit in knowledge amongst Australian adolescents about type 2 DM. Enhanced effort by clinicians to employ early intervention, especially at the adolescent stage by advocating for healthy lifestyle choices would help lower the burden of this disease.