A Qualitative Study to Assess the Awareness Level of Diabetes Mellitus in Patients Coming to JPMC

Abstract

Objective: The study was conducted to assess the awareness level about diabetes in patients coming to JPMC and to 
initiate steps to increase their knowledge and clear misconceptions. 
Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study. 
Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in JPMC hospital from April 2008 to October 2008. 
Materials and method:  A non- probability convenience sampling technique was applied in a population 
aged15<n<80(n=230) through which both diabetics and non-diabetics were interviewed after taking informed 
consent using a pre-structured questionnaire.  Details regarding awareness about diabetes in relation to their 
knowledge on diabetes, causes, signs and symptoms, complications, treatment, diet, physical activity, degree of 
diabetes in the patient and measures to enhance their knowledge and health on the subject were accordingly marked.  
The data has been analyzed using SPSS 10.0. 
Results: In this study, 230 subjects irrespective of gender and age were assessed.  15% of the subjects were 
diabetics and most of them were unaware of the cause of the disease as well as of its complications, while the 
remaining 85% also had very little knowledge about diabetes and issues related to it. 
Conclusion: The level of awareness was generally low amongst the general population.  The study reveals the 
essential need for strategies to create awareness regarding diabetes in the lower socio economic group. Diabetic 
patients were well informed about the disease they were suffering from.