KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICE OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN SOUTHERN ASSAM, INDIA

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus is increasing very rapidly in India, yet studies regarding knowledge, attitude and practices in diabetes in various Indian communities, especially in the Northeastern region, are limited. It is essential to understand the current gaps in knowledge and problems with the attitude and perceptions of the general population regarding diabetes to effectively plan public health policies. Objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients at Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, Assam. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was done among 161 patients attending Medicine OPD at Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, Assam. The study participants were selected using a random sampling method and data were collected through a questionnaire. Results: Out of 161 patients, 66% were male, 34% were female. 70% of the population fell in the 41-60 years age group. 23% of the participants think that diabetes is infectious. 63% of the population believes that insulin is habit-forming and should be avoided. Regular check-up of blood sugar was done by 43% of the population. Misinterpretations regarding diet, insulin, and diabetes were quite common among the study population. Conclusions: The study showed that the patients had good knowledge regarding exercise, diet modifications and diabetic complications. However, the knowledge regarding drug therapy, attitude and practices towards diabetes is poor, emphasizing the need to increase diabetes awareness.