DefinePK

Abstract

This study evaluated the knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus (DM) among the general population in Swabi, Pakistan, using a structured questionnaire. One hundred fifty questionnaires were distributed, 125 responses were received, and 122 were analyzed after excluding incomplete questionnaires. The sample included 62% males and 38% females, mostly aged 21–30. Most students (69%) had a bachelor’s degree (67%), and 73% reported no income. The average knowledge score was 19.27 out of 26, indicating moderate awareness, with the highest scores in the treatment section. While general knowledge, symptoms, and treatment were relatively well understood, significant gaps existed in complications and certain lifestyle practices. Over half ofthe participantsincorrectly believed diabetes is curable, and about one-third were unaware of serious complications like kidney and eye damage. Although most recognized the importance of exercise and medication adherence, misconceptions persisted regarding emergency practices and lifestyle factors, such as smoking cessation and carrying sweets to manage hypoglycemia. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive association between gender and knowledge levels (r = 0.217, p = 0.016), with females scoring higher. Other factors, such as education level, employment status, age, income, marital status, and family history of diabetes,showed no significant correlations. Friends and relatives were the primary source of DM information (55.74%), whereas only 6.56% cited healthcare professionals as a source of information about DM.This pioneering study in Swabi highlights the urgent need for targeted public health education to bridge knowledge gaps and enhance understanding of diabetes management, complications, and preventive care within the local population. These findings provide evidence for policymakers and health organizations to improve diabetes literacy in vulnerable communities, while offering the scientific community a valuable foundation for future longitudinal and comparative research on diabetes awareness in Pakistan and similar global studies.
Keywords: Awareness; Complications; Diabetes Mellitus; Knowledge; Pakistan; Public Health; Risk Factors
http://dx.doi.org/10.19045/bspab.2025.140088