Year: 2025 | Month: November | Volume: 15 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 138-147
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20251118
Knowledge Regarding Risk Factors, Symptoms, and Complications of Diabetes among Rural Adults in Hassan District, Karnataka: A Cross-Sectional Study
Pavithra P1, Anjan Sreeranga2, Bhoomika DN3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan, India.
2Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Hassan Institute of Medical Sciences, Hassan, India.
3Senior Resident, Department of Community Medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, Bengaluru, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Pavithra P
ABSTRACT
Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major global health challenge, with rapidly increasing prevalence, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Despite awareness programs and treatment advances, its burden remains high in India, particularly in rural areas with limited disease awareness.
Objectives:
1. To estimate the prevalence of diabetes among rural adults in Hassan district.
2. To compare the awareness of risk factors, symptoms, and complications of diabetes between diabetic and non-diabetic participants.
3. To assess and compare treatment adherence with the level of knowledge among diabetic participants.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2023 and June 2024 in selected villages of Hassan district. A total of 328 adults were enrolled. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 29. Proportions with 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI) were calculated, and the Chi-square test was applied.
Results: Diabetes prevalence was 26.5% (95% CI: 21.7–31.3), higher in females (28.6%) than males (23.8%). Awareness of symptoms was 93.1% in diabetics vs 57.3% in non-diabetics, and of complications 87.4% vs 15.5%, respectively. Among diabetics, 43% adhered to treatment, 10% practiced self-monitoring, and 63% incurred out-of-pocket expenses, mainly due to inaccessibility of services. The association between treatment adherence and awareness was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: One in four rural adults was found to have diabetes, with notable gaps in awareness among non-diabetics and inadequate self-monitoring among diabetics. Strengthening community-based health education and routine screening programs is essential for early detection, improved treatment adherence, and the prevention of complications.
Key words: Diabetes Mellitus; Knowledge; Risk Factors; Treatment Adherence; Rural Adults.