AWARENESS OF RISK FACTORS OF DIABETES AND PRACTICES REGARDING ITS PREVENTION AMONG THE ADOLESCENTS

Abstract: Introduction: India leads the world with largest number of diabetic subjects, and hence also termed as the Diabetic Capital of the world. Education is the cornerstone of diabetes prevention. Because of lack of awareness, most people suffer from diabetes at an early age. Before population-based interventions can be implemented, an assessment of knowledge and awareness of risk factors for Diabetes and practices to prevent it among adolescents is needed. Aims & Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of risk factors of diabetes and the practices regarding its prevention among the adolescents Materials and Method: The study was community based cross sectional type. A reviewed, self-prepared questionnaire consisting of questions based on the awareness of the risk factors and the practices regarding its prevention was prepared. Data was collected from 600 adolescents of age group 16-18years. Students from 4 pre-university colleges in Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada district, were selected as the study group. Results: 433% were aware that smoking was a risk factor for diabetes. 48.33% of students said that consumption of sweets can lead to diabetes. 8.66% of students agreed that mental stress can lead to diabetes. Physical inactivity, as a risk factor for diabetes was known by 7.33% of them. Only 5.5% and 5.33% of students were aware that family history and obesity respectively, can lead to diabetes. 93.67% of the students have not had themselves tested for diabetes. 99.16% of subjects are non-smokers. 98.16% do not consume alcohol. 53.67% do not exercise regularly.