Exploring the Influence of Demographic and Clinical Parameters on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices in Type-II Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Punjab, India: A Cross-Sectional Study.
Diabetes mellitus is a global health issue, affecting over 6.2% of the population. Effective management of type II diabetes mellitus (DM II) depends largely on patients' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). This study has examined how demographic and clinical factors influence KAP among DM II patients in Punjab, India, aiming to identify knowledge gaps and behavioral trends.
A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2023 to July 2024 across three outpatient clinics in Punjab. A total of 500 patients were recruited using non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected using a pre-validated questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS software. KAP scores were assessed and categorized into poor, fair, or good, with multiple linear regression used to identify significant predictors.
Among the 500 participants (197 females, 303 males), demographic and clinical factors significantly influenced KAP scores (p<0.05). Higher scores were associated with males, married individuals, those with higher educational attainment, health insurance, and regular clinic visits. Education was a key predictor of improved KAP across all domains. Conversely, poor scores were linked to lower education levels, absence of health insurance, and limited physical activity. Gender disparities were observed, with males displaying better knowledge and attitudes, while females exhibited higher practice scores.
This study has highlighted disparities in KAP among DM II patients in Punjab, emphasizing the critical role of education, healthcare access, and physical activity. Targeted interventions, community-based educational programs, and policy-driven improvements in healthcare accessibility are essential to bridge knowledge gaps, reshape attitudes, and foster positive practices. These findings can guide the development of tailored strategies for diabetes management, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.
A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2023 to July 2024 across three outpatient clinics in Punjab. A total of 500 patients were recruited using non-probability purposive sampling. Data were collected using a pre-validated questionnaire and analyzed through SPSS software. KAP scores were assessed and categorized into poor, fair, or good, with multiple linear regression used to identify significant predictors.
Among the 500 participants (197 females, 303 males), demographic and clinical factors significantly influenced KAP scores (p<0.05). Higher scores were associated with males, married individuals, those with higher educational attainment, health insurance, and regular clinic visits. Education was a key predictor of improved KAP across all domains. Conversely, poor scores were linked to lower education levels, absence of health insurance, and limited physical activity. Gender disparities were observed, with males displaying better knowledge and attitudes, while females exhibited higher practice scores.
This study has highlighted disparities in KAP among DM II patients in Punjab, emphasizing the critical role of education, healthcare access, and physical activity. Targeted interventions, community-based educational programs, and policy-driven improvements in healthcare accessibility are essential to bridge knowledge gaps, reshape attitudes, and foster positive practices. These findings can guide the development of tailored strategies for diabetes management, ultimately improving health outcomes and quality of life for affected individuals.