Investigating the awareness level about diabetes mellitus and associated factors in Tarlai (rural Islamabad).
OBJECTIVE
To determine the baseline level of awareness amongst a rural community about Diabetes Mellitus (irrespective of type 1 or type 2), its risk factors and complications.


METHODS
This was a cross-sectional survey conducted at the community of Tarlai, Islamabad, Pakistan, in January of 2008. A structured questionnaire was used and 300 adults (age > or = 18 years) were assessed on their knowledge regarding awareness of Diabetes Mellitus, its risk factors and complications. All data collected was entered into SPSS version 10.0. The data was re-validated and analyzed.


RESULTS
Out of the three hundred adults subjected to the survey, only 129 (43%) adults had any awareness of Diabetes Mellitus. Adults with no regular, scheduled exercise were 221 (73.7%) and 256 (85.3%) did not have healthy eating habits. Awareness of risk factors was present in 42 (14%) while awareness of the complications associated with the disease was 65 (22%). Adults which reported as never going for regular checkups to any clinic or hospital were 232 (77%). Family history of diabetes mellitus was statistically significantly associated with awareness about diabetes mellitus (65% vs 32%, p < 0.001), people who were in contact regularly with health care providers were more aware about diabetes and the associated risk factors than those who were not (71% vs 35%, p < 0.001). Sex was not associated (p = 0.28) with awareness about diabetes mellitus, nor was the educational status (p = 0.46).


CONCLUSIONS
Majority of adults were unaware of Diabetes Mellitus itself and associated risk factors. Raising public awareness of the disease through outreach programmes and mass media should be planned and implemented.
Ulvi
Osman Saleem
OS
Shifa College of Medicine, Islamabad.
Chaudhary
Raheel Yousaf
RY
Ali
Tanya
T
Alvi
Rizwan A
RA
Khan
Muhammad Farrukh Aman
MF
Khan
Maryam
M
Malik
Fahad Afzal
FA
Mushtaq
Mudassar
M
Sarwar
Andleeb
A
Shahid
Tehreem
T
Tahir
Nabia
N
Tahir
Zainab
Z
Shafiq
Shahzad
S
Yar
Asfand
A
Alam
Ali Yawar
AY
D000328:Adult; D001364:Awareness; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D048909:Diabetes Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires