Diabetes Mellitus-Related Knowledge among University Students in Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2012, Vol 12, Issue 3
Abstract
Objectives: Te aim of this study was to assess diabetes mellitus (DM)-related knowledge and practices among university students enrolled in non-health care related professional courses in the United Arab Emirates. Methods: A pre-tested questionnaire assessing the knowledge of DM was administered to the above-mentioned students. Data collected were transferred to PASW Statistics (Chicago, IL, USA, Version 18) and analysed. Results: Data on 168 university students (47 males and 121 females) were included in the analysis. Of the participants, 25% were overweight or obese and only 27% exercised regularly. Regarding their knowledge of DM, 70% knew that it is characterised by high blood sugar levels and identifed family history as a major risk factor. Surprisingly, only just over half could link obesity and physical inactivity as risk factors for developing DM, or could identify an excessive feeling of thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss as symptoms. Knowledge of the complications of diabetes, including gangrene, loss of sensation in limbs, oral and dental complications, recurrent infections, and risk for cardiovascular disease got a moderate response. Knowledge of diabetes was found to be higher in females compared to males. No signifcant differences were observed in the health behaviour of participants with or without a family history of DM. Conclusion: Our study revealed that in spite of exposure to various sources of information, the participants’ level of DM-related knowledge was not adequate. We recommend the engagement of health professionals in educational settings in order to enhance health-related knowledge and inculcate healthy lifestyle practices in students.
Authors and Affiliations
Nelofer Khan| Departments of Biochemistry, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Kadayam G Gomathi| Departments of Biochemistry, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Syed Ilyas Shehnaz| Departments of Pharmacology, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates, Jayakumary Muttappallymyalil| Departments of Research Division, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP14239
- DOI -
- Views 273
- Downloads 8
Vascular Anomalies in Children Misdiagnosed with Asthma Case series
In most asthmatic children, inhaled steroids can relieve and control the symptoms of asthma. Persistent wheezing and respiratory symptoms in young children despite appropriate treatment may indicate other diagnostic co...
Antibiotic Prescribing Trends in an Omani Paediatric Population
Objectives: Tis study aimed to evaluate antibiotic prescribing patterns for paediatric patients at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), a tertiary care hospital in Muscat, Oman. Methods: Tis retrospective cross-se...
A Study of Stress among Students of Professional Colleges from an Urban area in India
Objectives: Various studies across the globe have emphasised that students undertaking professional courses, such as medical and dental studies, are subjected to higher stress. Excessive stress could lead to psychologi...
A Rhinofacial Conidiobolus coronatus Fungal Infection Presenting as an Intranasal Tumour
Conidiobolomycosis is a rare fungal infection that affects adults in tropical regions. We report a 42-year-old male patient who was referred to the Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), in 2013 w...
Re: Plagiarism and Other Types of Publication Misconduct