Knowledge of diabetes among Gambian adults: evidence from a nation-wide survey

Diabetes is increasingly becoming a public health problem in developing countries like The Gambia. Prevention of diabetes and appropriate management of the disease largely depends on correct knowledge of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of the condition. However, studies that have assessed knowledge of diabetes at population level are limited. We examined the knowledge of diabetes risk factors, and signs and symptoms among Gambian adults.

The 2019-2020 Gambia demographic and health survey data was used to analyze 4, 436 men and 6, 186 women. Knowledge of diabetes was assessed two-fold: (1) diabetes risk factors and (2) diabetes signs and symptoms. Several sociodemographic factors were considered for analysis. A generalized estimating equation model was fitted to test the association between the selected sociodemographic factors and diabetes knowledge.

Among the men, 7.6% and 3.1% had knowledge about diabetes risk factors, and signs and symptoms, respectively. Approximately 3.1% and 1.2% of the women included in the analysis had knowledge of diabetes risk factors, and signs and symptoms, respectively. Men who were aged ≥ 35 years were more likely to have knowledge regarding diabetes risk factors (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.12-3.22), and signs and symptoms (AOR = 2.59, 95% CI = 1.08-6.17). Having access to media was associated with increased odds of having knowledge regarding diabetes risk factors (AOR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.09-2.37) and signs and symptoms (AOR = 2.04, 95% CI = 1.07-3.88) among men. Among other factors, educational level was positively associated with having diabetes knowledge among both men and women. Heterogeneities regarding diabetes knowledge were observed among different regions and areas of residence.

There is a need to improve awareness regarding diabetes in The Gambia as low knowledge has been observed. Programs aimed to improve diabetes knowledge should consider regional and area of residence variations in their designs. The use of mass media and strengthening the education sector in The Gambia may be of importance in raising diabetes knowledge among Gambian adults.