Knowledge, perception, and risk scoring of diabetes among rural nondiabetics in southern coastal Karnataka, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Diabetes is one of the top 10 contributors to death globally. It is affecting more and more younger populations due to lifestyle changes in India. Tools like the Indian Diabetic Risk Score (IDRS) help in screening high-risk individuals for diabetes. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment help in avoiding complications and disabilities due to diabetes. Hence, this study was conducted to calculate the risk of diabetes using IDRS and to determine the knowledge and risk perception of diabetes among the nondiabetics residing in the rural field practice area of a medical college. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the rural field practice area of a medical college. A total of 885 people participated in our study. All nondiabetics above 18 years of age were involved. The data were collected using a questionnaire and the IDRS questionnaire was used to determine the risk of diabetes. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS 20th version. Results: Majority of the participants were between the age of 18 and 50 years. About 65.8% of the study population had medium risk according to IDRS. There was a significant relationship between gender, body mass index, and IDRS. A majority had good knowledge about diabetes. Only 31.5% knew that diabetes can cause complications in other organs of the body. Conclusion: Compared to prior research on rural Indians, this study’s population knew more about diabetes. To encourage people to adhere to their medication and treatment, further health education sessions should concentrate on minimizing the risk factors and complications of diabetes.