Knowledge on Diabetes and its Psychosocial Effects among Adults in the Tema Metropolis of Ghana

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there are about 350 million people suffering from diabetes mellitus (DM) and by 2030, diabetes will become the seventh leading cause of death worldwide with diabetes deaths expected to increase by 50% during the next 10 years. In the Tema Metropolis, Tema General Hospital records diabetes as one of the leading diseases that bring people to the hospital. The purpose of the study is to assess the knowledge and psychosocial effects of Diabetes among adults in the Tema Metropolis in the Greater Region of Ghana. A convenience sampling was used with a sample size of 356 respondents. Open and closed ended questionnaires were used and analysis done with Stata 14. The study indicated majority of the respondents 179 (50.3%) were females and most (64.3%) of the respondents were less than 40years. Christians (69.1%) were majority of the respondents and had education till tertiary level (40.7%). The study indicated that majority (83%) had heard about diabetes and had heard it from their various health facilities (40.3%). The main risk factor of diabetes identified was high intake of sugar (73.3%) and also indicated the most recognized sign and symptom for diabetes was blurred vision (74.2%). The study indicated respondents knew that healthy diet (64.9%) and regular exercise (50.8%) can help prevent diabetes. The study indicated that the most psychosocial effect identified by respondents was burden of diabetes and its treatment (70.8%) and the least was emotional instability (47.8%). In conclusion, the study recommended that hospitals and clinics in-service training should be given to health workers especially nurses to give accurate information.