KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF DIABETES IN URBAN AND SEMI URBAN POPULATION OF PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

Authors

  • Muhammad Zuhaid
  • Khalil Khan Zahir
  • Inayat Ullah Diju

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major health issue in Pakistan. The aim of this study was to evaluate
the knowledge and perceptions of diabetes in a sample population of Peshawar. Methods: This crosssectional, descriptive study was carried out in seven different localities of Peshawar. A sample of 305
residents were interviewed aged from 15-60 years and above, using a questionnaire specifically designed
and translated into Urdu language for convenience of selected subjects. Results: Knowledge of diabetes
was suboptimal. The mean percentages of correct responses to questions regarding three classical
symptoms and given complications were 47.1% and 30.8%. Excessive sugar intake, obesity, family
history, lack of physical activities and stress were acknowledged by 46.2%, 42.3%, 39.3%, 33.4%, and
31.8% of the subjects respectively. Presence of family history and level of education were recognised to
be associated with more knowledge. Conclusion: There is lack of awareness of major risk factors and
some complications of diabetes mellitus. Level of education is a significant predictor regarding
knowledge of diabetes and its prevention. Prevalence of diabetes has increased in Pakistan.
Keywords: Diabetes, Knowledge, Perceptions, Peshawar

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Published

2012-03-01

How to Cite

Zuhaid, M., Zahir, K. K., & Diju, I. U. (2012). KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF DIABETES IN URBAN AND SEMI URBAN POPULATION OF PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN. Journal of Ayub Medical College Abbottabad, 24(1), 105–108. Retrieved from https://jamc.ayubmed.edu.pk/index.php/jamc/article/view/2166