Community Perceptions and Awareness Levels on Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a rapidly growing global health concern, particularly in developing nations where awareness and preventive strategies are often inadequate. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the level of awareness, perception, and knowledge regarding diabetes among individuals in a selected community. A structured questionnaire was administered to a representative sample population to gather data on their understanding of risk factors, symptoms, complications, and preventive measures related to diabetes. The findings revealed that while a significant portion of the population had heard of diabetes, detailed knowledge regarding its management and long-term effects was limited. Misconceptions about lifestyle, diet, and hereditary risks were also noted. Educational level and socioeconomic status were found to be significantly associated with awareness levels. The study underlines the need for targeted community-based instructive interventions and public health campaigns to recover diabetes literacy and promote early detection and management strategies. Enhancing community awareness can play a crucial role in reducing the incidence and burden of diabetes mellitus.