Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices toward Diabetes in Rural Communities in Bangladesh

Authors

  • Mohammad Nurunnabi Assistant Professor of Community Medicine and Public Health, Sylhet Women’s Medical College, Sylhet
  • Md Mijanur Rahman Department of Public Health, SOMC Centre, Bangladesh Open University, Sylhet
  • Farzana Akter Department of Public Health, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Centre, Bangladesh Open University, Sylhet
  • Susmita Podder Irani Study Physician, Projahnmo Research Foundation, Sylhet
  • Tahsin Tasneem Tabassum PhD Fellow, University of York, United Kingdom
  • Md Hafiz Ehsanul Hoque Associate Professor and Head, Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v21i1.83948

Keywords:

KAP study, Diabetes mellitus, rural residents, Moulvibazar, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Diabetes has been considered globally as a paradigmatic chronic disease, affecting millions of people of all ages. It is an emerging chronic disease that significantly impacts patients' quality of life.

Objective: To assess the levels of knowledge, attitudes and practices on diabetes mellitus among rural residents of Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was directed among the conveniently selected 183 out-patients aged ≥18 years who were clinically diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and interviewed through a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire in the purposively selected hospital named Moulvibazar 250 Bed District Sadar Hospital, Sylhet, Bangladesh.

Results: The mean knowledge score was 4.3±2.2, attitude was 4.0±1.6 and practices were 1.8±1.8. Most rural individuals had poor knowledge (53.6%), average attitudes (54.6%) and poor practices (63.4%) on DM. The knowledge scores were statistically significant with the attitude and practice scores (P<0.05). Within the knowledge, attitude and practice scores, there was also a statistically significant correlation present (P<0.05). There were also a statistically significant effects for knowledge and attitude levels on their practice levels (P<0.05).

Conclusion: On the basis of the study findings, participants had average attitudes but low levels of diabetes mellitus knowledge and practice.

JAFMC BangladesH, Vol 21, No 1 (June) 2025:36-43

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Published

2026-01-14

How to Cite

Nurunnabi, M., Rahman, M. M., Akter, F., Irani, S. P., Tabassum, T. T., & Hoque, M. H. E. (2026). Exploring Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices toward Diabetes in Rural Communities in Bangladesh. Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh, 21(1), 36–43. https://doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v21i1.83948

Issue

Vol. 21 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Original Papers

License

Submission of a manuscript for publication implies the transfer of the copyright from the author to the publisher upon acceptance. Accepted manuscripts become the permanent property of the Journal of Armed Forces Medical College and may not be reproduced by any means in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher.