Diabetes Mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, leading to serious health complications if left uncontrolled. As one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases worldwide, diabetes poses a significant public health burden and is a major contributor to morbidity and mortality. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the global prevalence of diabetes among adults was estimated to be 9.3% in 2019, affecting approximately 463 million people. In India, the prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing, with the IDF reporting around 77 million cases in 2019 and this number is projected to rise in the coming years [1-5].

In metropolitan cities like Mumbai, the economic capital of India, rapid urbanization, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary habits have contributed to the escalating diabetes epidemic. Urban settings often foster a stressful environment and the proliferation of fast-food outlets, leading to increased prevalence of risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets. Moreover, the lack of awareness about diabetes risk factors and preventive measures among the general public can further exacerbate the disease burden [6-9].

Early detection and effective management of diabetes are vital for preventing complications and improving overall health outcomes. However, delay in diagnosis due to limited knowledge and awareness can lead to severe consequences, including heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and vision impairment [7-10]. Therefore, it is imperative to assess the level of awareness regarding diabetes risk factors and preventive measures among the general public in Mumbai.

Empowering the public with accurate information about diabetes prevention is paramount to fostering a healthier community and reducing the impact of this growing epidemic. The present study aims to conduct a comprehensive investigation to determine the awareness of diabetes risk factors and preventive measures among the general public of Mumbai. By identifying gaps in knowledge, this research intends to provide valuable insights for healthcare authorities and policymakers to develop targeted educational campaigns and public health interventions aimed at raising awareness, promoting lifestyle modifications and ultimately reducing the burden of diabetes in the city.

Objectives of the Study

To evaluate the awareness and knowledge regarding Risk factors and Preventive measures for Diabetes Mellitus among general public of Mumbai.

Research Approach

This study employs a descriptive research approach to assess the level of knowledge regarding Risk factors and Preventive measures for Diabetes Mellitus among the general public of Mumbai. A descriptive approach is chosen as it allows for the systematic collection and analysis of data to describe and understand the current awareness and knowledge of the study participants on the specific topic of interest.

Research Design

A cross-sectional survey design is utilized for this study, enabling data collection at a single point in time from a diverse sample of individuals. This design ensures that information about the awareness of diabetes risk factors and preventive measures can be obtained from a representative sample of the target population, thereby providing a snapshot of the prevailing knowledge at the time of the study.

Study Area and Duration

The research is conducted in Mumbai, one of India's largest metropolitan cities, renowned for its diverse population and urban lifestyle. The study duration spans from March 2023 to May 2023, during which data collection and analysis are performed.

Study Population and Sample Size

The study's target population comprises all adults above 18 years of age who have resided in Mumbai for a minimum of 12 months. A sample size of 400 adults is determined, considering a 50% estimated knowledge level about diabetes risk factors and preventive measures, a 5% absolute error, a 95% confidence level and a 5% non-response rate. This sample size ensures adequate representation and generalizability of findings to the larger population.

Data Collection Tool

To gather information on diabetes awareness, a well-structured and validated Google Form questionnaire is developed. The questionnaire consists of two sections: the first section captures socio-demographic data, including age, gender, marital status, religion, employment and education, while the second section comprises 20 carefully crafted questions related to knowledge about diabetes risk factors and preventive measures.

Description of the Questionnaire

The questionnaire is designed to evaluate participants' knowledge on diabetes, with each correct response receiving one mark and incorrect answers receiving zero marks. Based on their scores, participants' knowledge levels are categorized into four groups: very good >80%, good 60-79%, fair 41-59% and poor <40%. This scoring system allows for a clear understanding of the overall awareness levels among respondents.

Data Collection and Analysis

Data collection is conducted under the supervision of experienced supervisors and the Google Form questionnaire is disseminated through various online platforms, such as email, WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, to reach both rural and urban areas of Mumbai. Collected data is then meticulously entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and thoroughly checked for accuracy and completeness. Epi Info V7 software is employed for data analysis and appropriate statistical tests, such as frequencies and percentages, are used to present the findings in a clear and concise manner.

Ethical Considerations

Throughout the study, utmost care is taken to adhere to ethical guidelines to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of participants. Informed consent is obtained from all respondents before their inclusion in the study and their personal information is kept confidential. The research team ensures that all data is anonymized, safeguarding the participants' identities at all times.

Table 1: Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Study Participants

Table 2: Knowledge Regarding Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Diabetes Mellitus Among Study Participants

Figure 1: Knowledge Scores Towards Risk Factors and Preventive Measures for Diabetes Mellitus Among Study Participants

The goal of the current study was to assess general public knowledge regarding Risk factors and Preventive measures for Diabetes Mellitus through a non-experimental descriptive survey.

A total of 400 respondents including 275 (68.75%) were from urban area and 125(31.25%) were from rural area were participated in the study. Among the participants of the majority 260(65.0%) were males, 180(45%) were between 18-30 years, 154(38.5%) were Graduate, 279 (69.75%) were employee, 242(60.5%) were married and 344 (86%) were Hindu (Table 1,2).

In the present study 23.75% (95) participants had very good knowledge (16-20 marks) towards Risk factors and Preventive measures for Diabetes Mellitus, 36.75% (147) had good knowledge (12-15 marks), 27.5% (110) had fair knowledge (8-11 marks) and 12% (48) having poor knowledge (<8 marks) (Figure 1).

The present study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge regarding risk factors and preventive measures for diabetes mellitus among the general public of Mumbai. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the level of knowledge about diabetes in the urban setting of Mumbai and highlight the need for targeted educational interventions to improve awareness and promote preventive measures.

The results indicate that 94.8% of the participants correctly identified diabetes mellitus as a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. This high level of awareness about the condition's definition suggests that the general public has a good understanding of what diabetes mellitus is. These findings are consistent with previous studies conducted in other countries, which have also reported a high level of awareness about diabetes mellitus among the general population [11-15].

However, when it comes to identifying common symptoms of diabetes mellitus, only 86.0% of respondents were able to do so. This indicates that there is room for improvement in recognizing the symptoms of diabetes, which is crucial for early detection and timely management. Similar observations have been made in studies conducted in different regions, highlighting the need for public health campaigns to improve symptom recognition [12-17].

The study also assessed knowledge about risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Around 75.5% of participants correctly identified these risk factors. While this is a relatively good level of knowledge, it indicates that a considerable proportion of the population may not be aware of the factors that increase their risk of developing diabetes. This finding aligns with other studies that have reported varying levels of knowledge about diabetes risk factors in different populations [14-19].

Family history was recognized by 72.0% of respondents as an influential factor in the development of diabetes mellitus. This suggests that a significant portion of the population is aware of the role of genetics in diabetes risk. Similar findings have been reported in other studies, emphasizing the importance of family history as a risk factor for diabetes [16-19].

Regarding lifestyle factors, 58.8% of participants correctly identified those that can contribute to the development of diabetes mellitus. However, there is room for improvement in this area, as a substantial proportion of the population may not be fully aware of the impact of lifestyle choices on diabetes risk. This finding is consistent with other studies that have highlighted the need for better education on the role of lifestyle factors in diabetes prevention [18-24].

Physical inactivity, which is a significant risk factor for diabetes, was recognized by 67.0% of respondents. While this is a decent level of awareness, efforts should be made to increase public knowledge on the importance of regular physical activity in preventing diabetes mellitus. Other studies have also reported varying levels of awareness about the link between physical inactivity and diabetes risk, suggesting a need for targeted interventions [21-26].

Long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes were identified by 46.8% of participants. This finding indicates a potential knowledge gap regarding the serious consequences of unmanaged diabetes. Public awareness campaigns should emphasize the importance of glycemic control to prevent complications associated with diabetes mellitus [23-28].

Approximately 71.5% of respondents were aware of the role of a balanced diet in preventing diabetes mellitus. While this is a relatively high level of knowledge, continued efforts are needed to promote healthy eating habits and their impact on diabetes prevention. Other studies have also emphasized the significance of dietary education for diabetes management [25-29].

Despite the importance of glycemic index in diabetes management, only 26.8% of participants were familiar with this concept. This finding suggests a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed through educational interventions targeting glycemic index and its relevance in diabetes mellitus management. Studies have shown that education about glycemic index can positively impact diabetes self-management [28-32].

Regarding preventive measures, 71.5% of participants were able to identify specific preventive measures for type 2 diabetes mellitus. This is a relatively good level of knowledge, indicating some awareness of preventive strategies. However, the percentage of respondents recognizing preventive measures could be further improved through targeted awareness campaigns. Other studies have also reported varying levels of knowledge about diabetes preventive measures, suggesting the need for continuous education [29-34].

The study identified a knowledge gap concerning the influence of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption on diabetes risk, with only 51.3% of participants correctly identifying this association. Efforts should be made to increase awareness about the detrimental effects of these habits on diabetes risk. Studies have highlighted the importance of education on modifiable risk factors for diabetes [28-32].

Approximately 70.8% of respondents recognized the importance of regular health check-ups for early detection of diabetes mellitus. This finding indicates a relatively good level of awareness regarding the significance of screening for diabetes. However, health authorities should continue to emphasize the importance of regular check-ups for diabetes prevention and early intervention. Other studies have also emphasized the role of screening in diabetes management [31-34].

The study also assessed knowledge about the recommended screening guidelines for diabetes, with only 32.0% of participants correctly identifying these guidelines. This suggests a knowledge gap regarding specific screening recommendations and public health campaigns should focus on disseminating accurate information about diabetes screening guidelines. Other studies have also highlighted the need for improved knowledge about diabetes screening [32-35].

Approximately 50.5% of respondents recognized the role of stress management in preventing diabetes mellitus. This finding indicates a moderate level of awareness, but there is potential to further promote stress reduction techniques to reduce diabetes risk. Stress management education has been shown to positively impact diabetes outcomes in previous research [33-36].

The study identified a knowledge gap concerning diabetes complications affecting the eyes, kidneys and nerves, with only 37.3% of participants correctly identifying these complications. Public education should emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups to monitor and prevent diabetes-related complications. Other studies have also reported varying levels of knowledge about diabetes complications [31-34].

Approximately 60.8% of respondents were aware of measures to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes mellitus. This finding suggests that a considerable portion of the population has some knowledge about diabetes management strategies. However, continuous education is necessary to ensure individuals with diabetes have a clear understanding of self-management techniques. Other studies have also emphasized the importance of diabetes self-care education [33-36].

Approximately 69.0% of respondents recognized the importance of education and awareness in reducing the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the community. This finding indicates a positive perception among participants about the impact of community-wide education on diabetes prevention. Public health authorities should continue to promote awareness campaigns to reduce the burden of diabetes in Mumbai. Other studies have also emphasized the role of community education in diabetes prevention [31-36].

Overall, the results of this study indicate a moderate level of awareness and knowledge about diabetes risk factors and preventive measures among the general public of Mumbai. While some areas show a relatively good level of awareness, there are evident knowledge gaps that need to be addressed through targeted educational interventions. Public health campaigns should focus on enhancing awareness about diabetes symptoms, risk factors and preventive measures to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards diabetes prevention and management.

Limitations

Like any research study, this study also has certain limitations that should be acknowledged. Firstly, the study's cross-sectional design only allows for the assessment of knowledge at a specific point in time, limiting the ability to establish causality or evaluate changes in awareness over time. Secondly, the study focused only on the population in Mumbai and the findings may not be entirely representative of the entire Indian population or other regions with different socio-cultural contexts. Thirdly, the data collected relied on self-reported responses, which may be subject to recall bias or social desirability bias, potentially affecting the accuracy of the results.

The findings of this study highlight the importance of enhancing awareness and knowledge about diabetes risk factors and preventive measures among the general public of Mumbai. While the level of awareness in some areas is relatively good, there are evident knowledge gaps that need to be addressed through targeted educational campaigns. Public health authorities should emphasize the significance of early detection, lifestyle modifications and regular health check-ups to reduce the burden of diabetes mellitus in Mumbai. By empowering individuals with accurate information, healthcare authorities can work towards fostering a healthier community and mitigating the impact of the diabetes epidemic in the city.

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