Abstract:
Abstract: 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 inDebre Tabor town, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study design was conducted among peopleage 18 years and above in Debre Tabor town during June 10 to August 20, 2014. A total of 832 participants were selected bysystematic random sampling technique .Data were collected using a pretested structured Interviewer administered questionnaireand 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 attitudeabout 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. Comprehensivecommunity based health education program about diabetes mellitus is necessary to improve this situation.
