Authors
Sandheep Sugathana, Davinder Singhb, Umabalan Tirupathyb
aDepartment of Public Health and Specialist in Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University Kuala Lumpur – Royal College of Medicine Perak (UniKL RCMP), Perak State, Malaysia
bUniversiti Kuala Lumpur, Royal College of Medicine Perak, 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, conducted 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 participants. 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.
Keywords: Prevalence, Self Reported Diabetes, Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Diabetes Care