| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2019 | Volume
: 4
| Issue : 1 | Page : 12-17 |
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Awareness of diabetic complications among rural and urban diabetes population in Chennai
M Sherlin1, Saratth Chandra Govindraj2
1 SRM Dental College and Hospital, Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2 Senior Lecturer, Rajas Dental College and Hospital, Radhapuram, Tamil Nadu, India
Correspondence Address:
Dr. M Sherlin
SRM Dental College and Hospital, Ramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/ijosr.ijosr_17_21
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Introduction: Diabetes is chronic, multisystem disorder with life-threatening complications. According to a study by the Lancet, India is ranked among the top three countries having high diabetic populations. Easily managed by glycemic control and simple alteration in lifestyle, it is most often allowed to escalate to the level of complications due to the lack of adequate knowledge of the disease and its management. Moreover, regional and socioeconomic differences among the rural and urban population of the city could result in skewed perceptions of the disease, in terms of treatment and control. The awareness of these patients is crucial to preventing acute complications and reducing the risk of long-term complications, in order to have a positive impact on the morbidity and mortality levels associated with the disease. Representative data on their levels of awareness would help plan large scale diabetes awareness programs to reach and masses. Thus, the present study aims to assess and compare the rural and urban diabetic population of Chennai city, on their knowledge of diabetes and associated complications. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, community-based study was carried out on 100 diagnosed diabetics, of which 50 belonged to rural areas and 50 belonged to urban. A predesigned questionnaire pertaining to knowledge, attitude, and practices relating to the disease was administered to them. Data obtained from the two groups were compiled and statistically analyzed on Microsoft Excel 2016. Results: Out of the 100 self-reported diabetic participants, with a mean age of 45–65 years, it was evident that urban residents had consistently higher awareness rates about diabetes mellitus, its management and complications, compared to rural populations. The results emphasize the interrelation between demography and awareness. Conclusion: Urban diabetic patients are more aware than rural diabetic patients about diabetes mellitus, its management, and complications. The present study emphasizes interrelation between demography and awareness levels. The results underscore the need to design and implement the awareness programs directed at increasing the awareness among the rural population.
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