<p><strong>Objective</strong>: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia with a global prevalence rate of 8.3%. Diabetes not only affect general health but also oral health leading to periodontitis. Low level of knowledge about diabetes and lack of awareness regarding preventive options will ultimately impact self-care behavior. To assess diabetes related knowledge among patients attending Vinayaka Mission’s Sankarachariyar (VMS) Dental College outpatient department in Salem city, Tamilnadu. <strong>Materials And Methods: </strong>A cross sectional study was carried out for about two weeks which encompassed a convenient sample of 400 subjects aged 18-80 years. Knowledge of respondents regarding diabetes was measured using 15 item self-administered modified Diabetes Knowledge Questionnaire (DKQ).<strong> Results: </strong>When knowledge regarding cause of diabetes was considered, only 40% of subjects were aware that diabetes is not a communicable disease. Almost half (57.5%) of the participants believed that sweet consumption causes diabetes. Furthermore, 55% participants knew that diabetes can damage kidney and around 54.5% agreed that diabetes can also affect dental health. The higher mean knowledge scores was observed among males compared to females and the difference was statistically insignicant (p=0.37). Significantly higher mean knowledge scores were dissipated by subjects with graduation education (p=0.01), those with professional occupation (p=0.02) and participant from urban location (p=0.00). <strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study showed significantly lower level of awareness regarding diabetes among rural respondents compared to urban residents. Gap related to diabetes mellitus knowledge should be abridged between rural and urban province in order to reduce disease burden and to yield positive health outcomes in the society.</p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes management; Knowledge; Oral self-care.</p>
PurposeCoronavirus disease 2019 is a global public health emergency affecting almost the entire world. The exponential spread of the infection has become a matter of concern. The study aims to determine how well people in India know about COVID-19 outbreak and actions taken to cope up during lockdown.Design/methodology/approachA total of 5,000 randomly selected participants were sent the survey link, of which 1,526 responded (response rate of 30.5%). The survey was conducted from March 28 till March 31, 2020. The 20-item questionnaire aimed to determine how well people know about COVID-19 outbreak as well as actions taken to cope up during the lockdown. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings.FindingsParticipants exhibited good knowledge about the primary and secondary symptoms of COVID-19 and infection spread. Over 95% participants knew preventive measures such as use of masks, sanitizers and hand wash. And, 80% of the participants felt that steps taken by the government are effective, while 93% opined that lockdown would be effective. There was apprehension regarding the infection spread, its containment and age group affected. Over 60% referred the World Health Organization website as their source of information. During the lockdown, participants engaged in home-based exercise (39%) and yoga (28%) for fitness while used social media (64%) and television (63%) for entertainment.Originality/valueAlthough participants exhibited good knowledge related to symptoms and preventive measure related to COVID-19, the beliefs related to infection spread and containment need to be addressed. These should be targeted through health promotional campaigns focusing on mental health and home-based physical activities.
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