Publication: Does Good Knowledge On Dietary Risk Factors For Diabetes Translate Into Good Dietary Practice? Findings From A Suburban Community In Tampin, Negeri Sembilan
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Date
2019
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Publisher
Malaysian Medical Association
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Poor dietary habit is a common risk factor for major non-communicable diseases. The government continuously promotes good dietary habits to further reduce the risk of disease development. This study aims to describe the level of knowledge, attitude and practice on dietary risk factors for type-2 diabetes mellitus and their associated factors among adult population in a
suburban community in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 256 adults were interviewed using pre-tested, structured questionnaire using systematic random sampling of houses in a suburban housing estate in Tampin district, Negeri Sembilan. The questionnaire contained five sections namely socio-demographic details, medical history, knowledge, attitude and practice on dietary risk factors for type II diabetes mellitus. Knowledge, attitude and practice scores were transformed into percentage. RESULTS: The mean (s.d.) level of knowledge, attitude and practice on dietary risk factors were 78.75 (13.64), 72.25 (8.46) and 62.59 (7.64) respectively. Knowledge has weak positive correlation with dietary practice (r=0.166, p=0.008). Higher knowledge was associated with lower age (r -0.2, p=0.001), female vs male (81.63
(11.16) vs 75.54 (15.38), p<0.001) and ethnicity (p<0.001). Having diabetes is not significantly associated with better knowledge, attitude or practice on dietary risk factors. CONCLUSION: In this suburban community, higher knowledge on dietary risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus may not necessarily translate into better dietary practice. Current health campaigns could focus more on practical skills on dietary habits rather than just focusing on improving the knowledge.
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Keywords
dietary risk factors, diabetes, non-communicable diseases