Explore knowledge, attitude and practice towards diabetes mellitus among youth in Klang Valley: A cross-sectional study

In Malaysia, the prevalence rate of diabetes mellitus (DM) in adults has increased from 13.4% to 18.3% in 2019. DM complication involved with two categories such nephropathy, neuropathy from microvascular and coronary artery disease of macrovascular. Youth population estimated to be more crucial in preventing DM. Therefore, in order to discover any gaps in their understanding and behavior regarding DM, it is imperative to determine the KAP level towards DM among youth in Klang Valley. A cross-sectional study was conducted by convenient respondents among youth aged 15-32 years old (n=426). The survey was adopted from a structured closed-ended questionnaire. Out of 426 respondents, (n=317,74.4%) already aware on DM disease. The frequency of DM respondents is only 4.5% and not related to the genetic inheritance. The mean scores of the three domains were compared to determine if there is any significant difference in the means of two groups; diabetic respondents and non-diabetic respondents. A one-way ANOVA was conducted to compare the effect of knowledge, attitude and practice towards the level of age of the respondents. Results shows that significant effect of knowledge and practice on level of age at the p<0.05 level [F (2) =7.354, p=0.001] and [F (2) =8.898, p=0.000] respectively. However, practice [F (2) =2.692, p=0.069] resulted insignificant in having the risk of DM. This indicates participants having a good knowledge and attitude but lack of practice. The predictive factors related to youth practice was they were not physically active, endangering their health at risk. In order to reduce the prevalence, they should have a good attitude and practicing toward the healthy lifestyle.