Assessing the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) among the newly diagnosed Prediabetes screened in selected districts of South India

Abstract

Currently, 314 million people in the world are Prediabetes, and it is predicted that around 500 million would be burdened by the year 2025. Continuing education of diabetes and its complications is crucial, but it should be accompanied with regular assessment of Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) among the high-risk population. That would play a cost-effective role in prevention and control of the disease.This study was carried out to assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among the newly diagnosed Prediabetes screened over selected districts of South India.This study was conducted through prediabetes screening camps over districts of Calicut, Wayanad and Malappuram in Kerala and The Nilgiris district in Tamilnadu from September 2017 to October 2019. A questionnaire survey was done as a part of a prospective open-label interventional study with 308 prediabetes individuals. Baseline characteristics of the participants were obtained, and their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding Prediabetes were assessed. The finding of the present study revealed 90% of the respondents had poor knowledge, 9% had average knowledge, and only 1% had good knowledge of Prediabetes. In the attitude assessment, only 1.9% had a strongly positive attitude, 14% had a positive attitude, 54% had neutral attitude while 17% had a negative attitude and 13% had a strongly negative attitude. Regarding healthy lifestyle practices, 35.4% had a deplorable practice that scored below 6. Around half of the population, 52.3% had poor practice, 12% had proper training, while only 0.3% had a perfect practice.Knowledge and practice regarding lifestyle modifications among prediabetes participants were found to be reduced.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice toward pre-diabetes among the public, patients with pre-diabetes and healthcare professionals: a systematic review

“… 13 While more than half of the individuals were aware that pre-diabetes could be treated through lifestyle management, 13 19 20 many were unaware of what these modifications entailed, in terms of dietary changes and recommended duration of physical activities. 16 17 20 Interestingly, only 18.2% understood that weight reduction could help with reversing pre-diabetes, and up to 43% of the individuals believed that pre-diabetes could only be treated with medications. 16 17 20 …”

“… 16 17 20 Interestingly, only 18.2% understood that weight reduction could help with reversing pre-diabetes, and up to 43% of the individuals believed that pre-diabetes could only be treated with medications. 16 17 20 …”

“…15–18 20 For example, a study from India reported that half of the patients believed they could manage living life with pre-diabetes but were concerned it would eventually lead to complications such as developing diabetes, ischemic heart disease or stroke. 16 17 …”

“…Most patients (up to 80%) appeared receptive to public health measures, such as health promotion and education to prevent diabetes. 16 17 19 The patients were reportedly agreed to participate in lifestyle management programs, such as weight control, healthy eating, and regular physical activities to build a healthier lifestyle. 15–18…”

“…For example, Hyder et al showed that the people newly diagnosed with pre-diabetes from India had poor knowledge and practice toward lifestyle modifications, but there was a mixed response on their attitude toward pre-diabetes. 16 17 Among the healthcare professionals, Keck et al and Tseng et al suggested that their knowledge gap contributed to inadequate pre-diabetes diagnosis and referrals to diabetes prevention programs. 24 26 These studies found gaps in the KAP toward pre-diabetes; however, none have demonstrated the common barriers toward pre-diabetes and how to address them.…”