Diabetes Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Toward Self-Care among Nigerian Undergraduates: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background Diabetes mellitus is a noncommunicable chronic disease that is becoming prevalent among the youthful population.

Aim This study assessed diabetic awareness, knowledge, attitude, and practices among undergraduates of a Nigerian university.

Methods Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 consenting undergraduates that completed a self-administered questionnaire on diabetes and diabetic self-care. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results The undergraduate age ranged from 16 to 30 years with the majority less than 20 years (55.5%), females 53.8%, Yoruba (87.4%), and second-year students (34.2%). Although a majority (85%) was aware of diabetes mellitus, 53% had poor knowledge, 70% had a negative attitude, and 60% had poor practices toward diabetes mellitus and diabetic self-care. Significant predictor of poor knowledge was being female (adjusted odds ratio 4.56; 95% confidence interval 2.79–7.45; p = 0.0001).

Conclusion Despite high diabetes awareness, the knowledge, attitude, and practices were poor among undergraduates. There should be continuous education program on diabetes and diabetic self-care among the students.