Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Knowledge of Type 2 Diabetes in Rural Tamil Nadu, India: a Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to investigate the overall awareness of type 2 diabetes as well as how sociodemographic factors influence diabetes knowledge. With India having the second highest prevalence of diabetes globally, it is increasingly important to assess how diabetes can be addressed in rural Indian populations. Methods: Systematic random sampling was used to gather study participants in 17 villages within the Krishnagiri district of Tamil Nadu, India. Associations between sociodemographic factors and composite diabetes knowledge score were assessed using a multinomial logistic gllamm model.Results: A total of 753 individuals participated in the study. Overall knowledge on diabetes was low, with 66% of individuals having no knowledge regarding diabetes. Achieving a moderate knowledge score was significantly positively associated with education, wealth, participation in MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), and business ownership as a source of income. Achieving a good knowledge score was significantly positively associated with education, wealth, rurality, participation in MGNREGA, business ownership as a source of income, as well as frequency of healthcare typically received. Rurality was significantly negatively associated [Relative Risk Ratio (95% CI)] with both moderate knowledge score [0.34 (0.19, 0.59)], and good knowledge score [0.43 (0.24, 0.74)]. The strongest predictor of having a good knowledge score was having a high school graduate or post-secondary education [11.07 (4.44, 27.61)]. Enrolment in MGNREGA employment was the strongest predictor for having a moderate knowledge score [3.27 (1.93, 5.54)], as well as strongly associated with having a good knowledge score [2.39 (1.31, 4.36)].Conclusion: The low awareness of diabetes seen in this study raises serious concerns for public health in India. Public health efforts must prioritize health equity to lessen the impacts of diabetes in rural populations, where individuals face systemic barriers to receiving prevention and treatment for conditions such as diabetes.