Knowledge and awareness about diabetes mellitus among the rural population attending a tertiary care hospital in Jumla district

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus affects over 463 million adults globally, projected to reach 700 million by 2045, with Nepal showing 8.5% prevalence, particularly burdening rural regions. This study assesses diabetes knowledge among rural patients attending Karnali Academy of Health Sciences to inform targeted interventions.

Method: This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 420 rural patients (who may not be diabetic) via systematic random sampling at the General Practice Clinic of the tertiary care center of tertiary care center of Jumla, from June 15 to October 15, 2025. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, and prevalidated questionnaire administered by trained study team members. Analysis used descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages for categorical variables; normality-tested continuous variables) in SPSS v16 following IRC-KAHS ethical clearance.

Result: Among 420 rural participants (median age 30 years, IQR 12), universal diabetes awareness existed (100%), but knowledge was poor: 160(38.1%) knew less than 2 symptoms, 16(3.8%) recognized hypoglycemia, and 20(4.8%) knew complications. Only 63(15%) understood lifestyle modification benefits and 239(56.9%) linked obesity to diabetes, while none owned glucometers, performed regular monitoring, or knew fasting/postprandial targets; 81(21.9%) reported/would use alternative medicines and 206(49%) believed diabetes curable.

Conclusion: This study revealed widespread awareness of diabetes among 420 rural patients in Jumla; however, significant deficiencies were identified in recognizing symptoms, understanding complications, and awareness of lifestyle modifications, and there was a complete absence of home glucose monitoring.