# Knowledge and Preventive Practices Regarding Diabetes Mellitus Among Non-Diabetic Adults in Kamrup Rural District of Assam: A Cross-Sectional Study

## TL;DR

This study examines the knowledge and preventive practices of diabetes among non-diabetic adults in rural Assam, finding a significant gap between knowledge and behavior.

## Contribution

The study highlights the need for targeted health interventions to bridge the knowledge-practice gap in diabetes prevention.

## Key findings

- 52% of adults had adequate knowledge of diabetes, while 45% showed poor preventive practices.
- A moderate, statistically significant correlation was found between knowledge and preventive practices.
- Knowledge was significantly related to age, but no demographic factors influenced practices.

## Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition that is distinguished by abnormally elevated blood glucose levels.

Aim and objective: The aim of this present study is to determine the knowledge and preventive practices regarding diabetes mellitus among non-diabetic adults in Kamrup Rural (R) District of Assam

Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional design was adopted in the present study to evaluate knowledge and preventive practices regarding diabetes mellitus among non-diabetic adults. The data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Spearman’s correlation, Fisher’s exact test and Chi-square tests were employed for analyzing the data.

Results: Of the adults surveyed, 52% demonstrated adequate knowledge of diabetes mellitus, 47% had moderately adequate knowledge, and only 1% had inadequate knowledge.. The preventive practices were found to be good in 55% of adults, but 45% showed poor practices. There was a moderate, statistically significant correlation between knowledge and preventive practices regarding diabetes mellitus (Spearman’s ρ=0.496, p< 0.001). A significant relation was found between knowledge and age, but no demographic factor was found to relate to practices.

Conclusion: The study finally concludes that the evident knowledge-practice gap underscores the necessity of health interventions that go beyond mere education to effectively motivate and allow behavioural change, particularly targeting different demographic groups.