Abstract
Objective: To assess knowledge about diabetes mellitus and to assess risk of behavioral and environmental factors among non-diabetics attending primary health care centers of Gadap town, Karachi.
Methodology: A Cross-sectional study was conducted at Primary health care centers, Gadap Town, Karachi, during the month of July 2005. Data was collected from four primary health care centers, located at Gadap Town, Karachi, and 198 non-diabetic patients, above 18 years of age, and resident of Gadap Town, coming consecutively during study period were enrolled in the study. Knowledge was assessed and risk assessment scoring was performed according to the guidelines of American Diabetic Association. Using SPSS version 11 data was analyzed, frequencies were calculated and p-values were determined to find associations between the variables.
Results: Knowledge regarding cause, sign and symptoms and complications was found lacking. Practices regarding diet and life style were also found unsatisfactory. About 27% individuals were found obese and 11% were overweight and on risk assessment score 44% were found at high risk, 38% at low risk of developing diabetes mellitus. Gender mate, education and urban residence showed significantly better knowledge regarding diabetes but scored more on risk assessment scale due to poor dietary habits and tack of physical activity.
Conclusion: Proportion of non-diabetics coming to primary health care centers were prone towards diabetes mellitus on risk assessment scale. Their knowledge was found lacking. However mates, educational status and urban residence came out significant variables having better knowledge. The proportion of individuals found high risk and low risk needs further screening for diabetes and health education regarding diabetes mellitus required in these areas.