Prevalence of Self Reported Diabetes, Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Diabetes and Diabetes Care in a Rural Community in Malaysia

Abstract

Background/Objective: Diabetes is a global public health challenge with high economic burden. Diabetes is increasing not only in the urban but also in the rural settings. This study was conducted to study the prevalence of self reported diabetes, risk factors, complications, knowledge, attitude and practice on diabetes among adults above 40 years in a village in Kinta district, Malaysia

Methodology: Cross-sectional study conducted on 194 villagers of Kampung Seri Jaya, who were aged 40 years and above, con- ducted during May-July, 2013

Results: The prevalence of reported diabetes with documented evidence was 20.1% (95% CI 15.07 to 26.3) among the par- ticipants. Prevalence among males was 18.7% (95% CI 11.46 to 28.93) and among females was 21% (95% CI 14.65 to 29.18). Prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher in higher age groups. A positive family history was a significant risk factor among diabetics (p<0.05). Knowledge and attitude regarding importance of exercise, weight reduction and checking of glycosylated hemoglobin was less

Conclusion: More intensive interventions on lifestyle changes in the rural population is needed to control this alarmingly high occurrence