Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards Screening and Risk Factors for Diabetes Mellitus among Staff of a University in South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background:  Diabetes mellitus is a leading disease of public health importance in Nigeria. Urbanization, adoption of “western lifestyles” and reported poor attitude to voluntary screening significantly contributes to prevalence figures.

Objective: This study assessed awareness, knowledge and attitude towards diabetes, screening and risk factors among staff of Osun State University in southwestern Nigeria.

Methods: Descriptive cross sectional study among 280 members of staff of Osun State University using multi stage sampling method. Research instruments were semi structured self administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 software

Results: Mean age of respondents was 35.6 (±9.1) years. Two hundred and sixty four (94.3%) have heard about the ailment called Diabetes. Using graded knowledge and attitude scores based on the median score, less than half (45.4%) had good knowledge about DM compared with 54.6 % who had poor knowledge. Similarly, 43.9% had an excellent attitude towards screening for DM while 56.1% had a fair attitude. The only identifiable predictor for respondents’ knowledge was the age-group while the only identifiable predictor for respondents’ attitude was their educational status. Sixty six (23.6%) had screening for DM. In the past one week, 40(14.3%) said they were totally physically inactive for at least 30 minutes per day, while 69(24.6%) and 82(29.3%) of respondents took fast food confectionaries and sugar containing drinks respectively for at least more than once a day.

Conclusion: The study group is at risk of developing DM. There is a need to increase community awareness for DM screening and control.

Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Knowledge and attitude, Screening