LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND PRACTICES ON THE PREVENTION OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG TRICYCLE DRIVERS IN CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA: BASIS FOR HEALTH PROMOTION PLAN

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health concern, particularly among occupational groups exposed to prolonged sitting, irregular work schedules, and limited opportunities for preventive healthcare. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to T2DM prevention among tricycle drivers in selected barangays of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, and was completed in May, 2026. Using a quantitative descriptive-correlational design, 169 drivers were recruited through purposive sampling and surveyed using a locally adapted Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice–Prediabetes Assessment Questionnaire (KAP-PAQ). Descriptive statistics, Bloom’s cut-off points, and Spearman’s rank correlation were used for analysis. Results showed that 40.24% of respondents demonstrated high knowledge, 51.48% had neutral attitudes, and 48.52% reported fair preventive practices, while only 16.57% demonstrated good practices. Educational attainment was significantly associated with all three KAP domains. Age was positively correlated with preventive practices (ρ = 0.3191, p < 0.0001), whereas working days per week were negatively correlated with practices (ρ = −0.2182, p = 0.0044). Knowledge was strongly associated with attitudes (ρ = 0.6511), while attitude showed a stronger relationship with practices (ρ = 0.4483) than knowledge alone (ρ = 0.2782). These findings highlight a gap between diabetes prevention knowledge and consistent preventive behaviors among tricycle drivers. The study recommends occupation-specific health promotion initiatives, accessible diabetes screening, and practical lifestyle support to encourage healthier behaviors and strengthen T2DM prevention among this occupational group.