Communities' knowledge and perceptions of type two diabetes mellitus in Rwanda: a questionnaire survey

To explore the level of knowledge and perceptions of T2DM among people in the Rwamagana district.

Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Knowledge of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can assist in early detection of the disease and reduce the incidence of complications. Therefore, a descriptive study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge and perceptions of T2DM among people in the Rwamagana district, Rwanda.

The study used a cluster multistage sampling technique to obtain a representative sample. The clusters were provinces, districts, sectors, household clusters and sample units selection. The Kigabiro sector was studied, and a sample size of 355 respondents was calculated using Raosoft Sample Size Calculator (Raosoft, Inc 2004, http://www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html).

A descriptive method, using questionnaires, was used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, contingency tables and chi-square test. The target population comprised 4556 people (women and men aged between 15-65 years) living in a sampled sector of Kigabiro.

The level of knowledge of respondents was inadequate. Few respondents got a high score on questions intended to explore the knowledge of definition, signs, causes and risk factors of diabetes.

The perceptions were also poor and inadequate. The recommendations focused on education campaigns by the Kigabiro sector authorities.

If people are knowledgeable on managing long-term conditions such as diabetes, there will be less expenditure on curative care. The healthcare services will have fewer burdens, and the focus will be on specific and relevant ailments.