Knowledge and Attitude About Diabetes Mellitus and Its Associated Factors Among People in DebreTabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia: Cross Sectional Study

Background: Diabetes mellitus is recognized as one of the emerging public health problems in developing countries. However, people’s knowledge and attitude about diabetes mellitus have not been efficiently investigated in Ethiopia. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude about diabetes mellitus and its associated factors among people in Debre Tabor town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted among people age 18 years and above in Debre Tabor town during June 10 to August 20, 2014. A total of 832 participants were selected by systematic random sampling technique .Data were collected using a pretested structured Interviewer administered questionnaire and Epi info version 3.5.1 for data entry and SPSS version 20 for analysis used. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used. Results: -Among 832 respondents, 408 (49%) participants had good knowledge and 329 (39.5%) participants had good attitude about diabetes mellitus. Educational status (Grade 1-8 AOR=2.6, 95% CI: 1.22-5.22, Grade 9-12 AOR=3.49, 95%CI: 1.68-7.22, and Certificate and above AOR=5.58;95%CI:2.73-11.44), family income per month (501-800Birr AOR=1.59,95%CI:1.07-2.40), 801-1450Birr AOR=1.61;95%CI:1.05-2.48, and ≥1451 Birr AOR=2.14; 95%CI:1.36-3.36) and family history of diabetes mellitus (AOR=3.89,95%CI :1.27-11.88) were significantly associated with good knowledge about diabetes mellitus. Educational status (Grade 1-8 AOR =2.53, 95 %CI: 1.24- 5.16, Grade 9-12 AOR=2.17, 95 % CI: 1.08-4.31 and Certificate and above AOR=3. 39, 95 % CI: 1.78-6.47) was significantly associated with good attitude towards diabetes mellitus. Conclusion and recommendation:-This study revealed a limited status in good knowledge and low in good attitude about Diabetes Mellitus. Comprehensive community based health education program about diabetes mellitus is necessary to improve this situation.