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Author(s): Dr. Elendu C. Onwuchekwa, Prof. L. N. Chigbu, Dr. Daniel M. Gimbason, Dr. Uzochukwu G. Ekeleme, Onuigbo C. Martin.

Volume/Issue: Volume 4 , Issue 2 (2021)

Abstract:

Introduction: Diabetes is a chronic condition that can affect the entire body. There is no doubt that the prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been increasing worldwide. This study investigated the knowledge and attitude on diabetes mellitus (DM) among residents of Jos metropolis, Plateau State, Nigeria. Five research objectives were outlined to identify the causes of DM in Jos metropolis, to examine the effects of diabetes mellitus in Jos, to interrogate the level of knowledge of diabetes in Jos, and proffer recommendation and suggestions on how the challenges of diabetes can be addressed. Methodology: Data were collected both qualitatively and quantitatively using questionnaire, and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). 420 respondents were sampled using multi stage and simple random sampling technique, the data analyzed was based on 393 questionnaires retrieved from the field and presented according to the study objectives. The key informants were purposely selected for the Focus Group Discussion. An FGD guide was used for the research. Results: 94.8% of the respondents agreed that they were knowledgeable of diabetes mellitus and have ideas of the possible causes of diabetes. Majority of the respondents (60.7%) agreed that diabetes is a genetic disease, some indicated that it is a nutritional disease. 247 (62.8%) indicated that people between the ages of forty to sixty years are more likely to contract diabetes, 28 (7.1%) of the respondents indicated that aged people of seventy years and above are more likely to be diabetic. While 89 (22.6%) of the respondents indicated that people of all age categories can suffer diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Factors militating against the effective treatment of diabetes in Jos metropolis are stigmatization of diabetic patients, poor access to healthcare facilities and low level of awareness by residents on DM. The study established that when people are knowledgeable of the causes, effects and remedy of diabetes mellitus, the rate of the disease will be reduced to the lowest minimum. The study recommends that there should be awareness among the health workers and training health professionals on nutrition and diabetes as may enhance quality healthcare delivery in the nearest future.

Keywords:

Diabetes Mellitus, Knowledge, Attitude, Jos Metropolis, Stigmatization

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