Knowledge and Perception of Consequences of Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is rising in the UK and many seem unaware that obesity and lack of exercise may predispose the condition. Furthermore, poor knowledge of this and of health consequences of T2D coupled with apparent lack of concern about T2D appears to be widespread, resulting in less initiative to modify behaviour BUPA [1]. The study aimed to investigate the knowledge and perception of T2D and its consequences in different population age groups. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of adults aged 18 – 60 years was employed via face to face opportunist sampling of people known to the researcher – those with diabetes or close family/ friends with the condition were excluded. The questionnaire gathered qualitative and quantitative data whereupon qualitative data were grouped into ‘Key Themes’ and ‘Sub Themes’ utilising a grounded theory approach for analysis Pope et al, [2]. Quantitative data were arranged for descriptive statistical analysis. Testing was performed for significance between population groups and trends using one-way ANOVA and Spearman’s correlation respectively using SPSS 20.0. Ethical approval was granted by the University ethics panel prior to the study. Results: Face to face sampling resulted in all 150 questionnaires being returned: 29% aged 18 – 32yrs (Age Group 1); 30% aged 33-47yrs (Age Group 2); 41% aged 48-60yrs (Age Group 3). On a scale of 0-10 (10 = very serious), obesity was rated highly as having serious implications by all age groups (range 8.93 – 9.08) but no significant difference was found between them. Participants were more aware of the microvascular (52%) than the macrovascular (21%) consequences of T2D, and a quarter (27%) were unable to list any consequences. Perceived severity of health implications of T2D increased with age and was significant (P=0.025) Age Group 1 was significantly less likely than Age Group 3 to perceive T2D as having serious health implications ( ANOVA p=0.021) Discussion: This study is limited in its generalizability due to sampling bias yet provides useful insights into understanding public perceptions. Findings indicate on average the youngest participant age group has a more ambivalent attitude towards T2D as also found by Weaver et al [3]. Younger adults tend not to worry about their health but become more conscious of it as they age due to peers becoming affected. This suggests that future health campaigns may be more beneficial if they focus on improving the younger populations’ awareness of the health burden linked to conditions such as T2D. Despite high awareness of obesity and implications for health, there was a lack of awareness of macrovascular consequences of diabetes, which is concerning since CHD, linked also with obesity, is a leading cause of mortality in those with T2D WHO [4]. A quarter of respondents (27%) did not know of any consequences, possibly indicating that the UK public do not have adequate knowledge about T2D. Half of participants (52%) were aware of microvascular consequences, which may prompt a screening check for T2D. However, when individuals do not understand T2D or the severity of associated health consequences, they may not take action to prevent it. This could be contributing to the rising prevalence of diabetes. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study highlighted some weak areas of knowledge and ambivalence towards health among younger adults. Health campaigns should aim to raise public awareness, particularly focusing on changing the attitude of the younger generation.