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Risk perception and knowledge regarding diabetes among offspring of type 2 diabetics at a tertiary institution
S Sulaiman1, M Leelavathi2, A W Norasyikin3
1Klinik Kesihatan Sikamat, Seremban, Negri Sembilan, Malaysia.
Insights
University students with a family history of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) showed moderate risk perception and knowledge. Those with mothers affected by T2DM had better knowledge, often sourced online.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
- Genetics
Background:
- Rising incidence of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in younger populations globally.
- Assessing risk perception and knowledge in at-risk individuals is crucial for early intervention.
- Offspring of diabetic patients represent a key demographic for T2DM prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the perceived risk of developing T2DM among offspring of diabetic patients.
- To assess the level of knowledge regarding T2DM in this at-risk group.
- To identify factors influencing risk perception and knowledge in university students with a parental history of T2DM.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Self-administered questionnaire distributed to university students.
- Participants were offspring of individuals diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
Main Results:
- 56.5% of 336 students correctly identified their risk for T2DM.
- 52.7% demonstrated higher knowledge levels regarding T2DM.
- Male students and those with mothers affected by T2DM showed significantly better risk perception and knowledge, respectively.
- Primary information sources included the internet (87.5%) and family members (77.9%).
Conclusions:
- Students with a maternal history of T2DM exhibited enhanced knowledge and information access.
- The internet and family members are significant sources of T2DM information for this demographic.
- Targeted awareness campaigns and lifestyle advice through affected family members could benefit offspring.
Introduction:
The rapid increase in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among the younger age groups is a growing concern worldwide. Thus, assessing the perception of risk and knowledge among those at risk may provide an opportunity for early intervention, delay or even prevent the onset.
Objective:
The aim of this study was to determine the perceived risk of developing T2DM and its knowledge among the offspring of diabetic patients.
Methods:
A cross sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among university students whose parents had type 2 diabetes to determine their perceived risk and knowledge on T2DM.
Results:
A total of 336 university students participated in this study and 56.5% of them correctly identified themselves at risk of developing T2DM. About half of them (52.7%) had higher knowledge of T2DM. Male students appeared to have better risk perception (p=0.024) compared to females while those with mothers affected by T2DM appear to have higher knowledge regarding diabetes (p=0.007). Most of their information regarding T2DM was obtained from the internet (87.5%) and other family members (77.9%).
Conclusion:
The students whose mothers had T2DM appear to have better knowledge and information regarding T2DM and this was mostly obtained from the internet and family members. Awareness regarding diabetes and healthy lifestyles advice through primary patients may be beneficial for their offspring.
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