INTRODUCTION: The rapid increase in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) among the younger age groups is a growing concern worldwide. Thus, assessing the perception of risk and knowledge among those at risk may provide an opportunity for early intervention, delay or even prevent the onset.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the perceived risk of developing T2DM and its knowledge among the offspring of diabetic patients.
METHODS: A cross sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among university students whose parents had type 2 diabetes to determine their perceived risk and knowledge on T2DM.
RESULTS: A total of 336 university students participated in this study and 56.5% of them correctly identified themselves at risk of developing T2DM. About half of them (52.7%) had higher knowledge of T2DM. Male students appeared to have better risk perception (p=0.024) compared to females while those with mothers affected by T2DM appear to have higher knowledge regarding diabetes (p=0.007). Most of their information regarding T2DM was obtained from the internet (87.5%) and other family members (77.9%).
CONCLUSION: The students whose mothers had T2DM appear to have better knowledge and information regarding T2DM and this was mostly obtained from the internet and family members. Awareness regarding diabetes and healthy lifestyles advice through primary patients may be beneficial for their offspring.
Study site: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.