Relationship between knowledge, risk perceptions and change in practices regarding diabetes among non-diabetic adults in Kawempe division, Kampala, Uganda

Abstract

Globally, NCDs are the single greatest cause of preventable illness, disability and mortality worldwide, with large impacts on productive capacity. They account for more death and disease than all other causes combined. This study focused on establishing the level of awareness, practices and risk perceptions among non-diabetic adults in the peri-urban setting of Uganda being carried out in Kawempe Division in Kampala Division. The study adopted a cross sectional design. The study involved HSD Officials, Health workers and non-diabetic adults using a questionnaire to collect data. Simple Random Sampling, Purposive Sampling and Systematic Sampling were applied to select the 581 participants. Study findings revealed that although majority of the respondents knew about diabetes mellitus, they were not sure of who was liable to be affected by it which typically denoted a knowledge gap. Findings revealed that consumption of fast food and tobacco risk the development of diabetes mellitus among diabetes. It was also revealed that majority were not aware of physical activity as a control mechanism for diabetes mellitus in Kawempe Division. It was also found out that majority of non-diabetic adults in Kawempe Division do not make visits to physicians to check on the blood glucose and pressure which poses a great risk to their wellbeing. Study findings revealed that respondents stressed that age is a significant risk factor in relation to diabetes mellitus among non-diabetic adults. The level of awareness among non-diabetic adults requisitely plays a paramount role to nurture either negative or positive behaviours towards regulation and prevention of type 2 diabetes in Kawempe Division. The poor and unhealthy practices exhibited by non-diabetic adults including eating, drinking, drug abuse and lack of physical activity may perpetuate the development of type 2 diabetes among non-diabetic adults in Kawempe Division. With concerted efforts, it could be possible to nurture perceived risks related to the impact of type 2 diabetes among non-diabetic adults through awareness creation to curb the impact of NCDs. Recommendations: Government and development partners should work hand in hand with the government to create awareness and provide necessary resources for the management and prevention of NCDs. Further, we recommended that there is need to engage community leaders at local council level in matters related to promoting health living so as to nurture people’s behaviours, prevent and regulate type 2 diabetes among non-diabetic adults in Kawempe Division and other areas.