A descriptive study on awareness of Diabetes mellitus in the urban slum population of South India

Dr Pravin N Yerpude; Avinash P Tekade; Dr Keerti S Jogdand

Volume : VI, Issue : IV, April - 2016

A descriptive study on awareness of Diabetes mellitus in the urban slum population of South India

Dr Pravin N Yerpude, Avinash P Tekade, Dr Keerti S Jogdand

Abstract :

Introduction: In view of high prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance ranging from 3.6 – 9.1%, World Health Organization had predicted potential for rise in the prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) by the end of the last century . India’s prevalence of DM is expected to rise from 32 million (2000) to 79.4 million (2030). With this background the present study was carried out for understanding general awareness about DM in the urban field practice area of Urban Health center of a tertiary care hospital in South India. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive study was carried out during health camp, organized at urban field practice area of a tertiary care hospital, located at South India. The persons with age 21 or more years, having some awareness of DM were included in the study ; whereas the persons who had not heard of DM, having acute health problems and those who did not give consent were excluded. Results: About 44.95 % of respondents mentioned family history as a risk factor for DM, whereas awareness regarding obesity, age advancement, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption was 27.98%, 32.57%, 11.25%, 16.97% and 7.80% respectively. About 14.22 % of the respondents were not aware of the symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus. Out of those who were aware of symptoms of DM, 27.98 % of the respondents felt that numbness in hands/feet was the symptom of DM. Though 29.36 % of the respondents were not aware of complications of DM; responses obtained for awareness about complications of DM included repeated infection (19.72%),eye related problem (14,22%). Conclusion: The study found that the general awareness of DM was less with regard to symptoms, complications and management. A planned, community based health education program with regard to prevention and control of DM is very essential for the population.