Awareness of diabetes mellitus and its risk factors among the Saudi non-diabetic population in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Introduction Diabetes is a chronic metabolic condition characterized by a lack of insulin-producing cells, impaired insulin activity, or a combination of the two. Today, Saudi Arabia has one of the highest rates of diabetes, with 23.7% of the population suffering from the disease. Many people with diabetes do not realize they have the disease until one of its life-threatening complications occurs. Objectives This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of knowledge and awareness about diabetes mellitus (DM) among the non-diabetic population and its association with sociodemographic variables in the Jazan region of Saudi Arabia. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on non-diabetic community members from January 2022 to April 2022 in the Jazan region. Participants were selected through a random sampling method and completed self-administered questionnaires that included demographic variables. Result A total of 475 subjects participated in this study. Moreover, 86.7% (412) of the study participants defined diabetes as the presence of high blood sugar levels in the body, but nearly half (44.6%) thought that DM was a curable disease. Regarding the complications of DM, 81.3% mentioned that DM could lead to amputations, followed by causing eye problems or even blindness (79.8%). Conclusion The population in the Jazan region has enough general knowledge of diabetes regarding symptoms, complications, and so on; however, most of the population has the misconception that diabetes can be cured. Therefore, our study suggests that more efforts should be made to increase knowledge of diabetes, especially among the less educated uneducated elderly population.

Diabetes Mellitus Knowledge, Attitudes, Preventive Practices and Associated Factors Among a Sample of Adult Non-Diabetic Saudi Residents

“…12 However, ignorance increases DM risk. 13 Several studies assessed the KAPs of non-diabetic individuals in KSA [14][15][16] and stated variable results. The assessment of non-diabetic individuals' awareness of the most common endocrinal problem in the world and its associated factors would provide baseline information on how the non-diabetic individual perceive DM, its risk factors, signs and symptoms, control and management and complications.…”