Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Diabetes among School Teachers in Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Diabetes is a global problem and expected to affect around 300 million adults all over the world and around 57 million in India by year 2025. Studies indicate that the awareness of diabetes among general population in Arunachal Pradesh is low. School teachers form the backbone of a society and are entrusted with the work of spreading knowledge and awareness among children and youths on many topics including health. School teachers also act as community leaders and shape the public perception. Aim: To assess the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) of diabetes among school teachers in Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out in all the five High and Higher Secondary schools in headquarter region of Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Data was collected from February to May 2018. In each school, 22 randomly selected teachers from staff register were interviewed regarding KAP of diabetes using predesigned questionnaire.Data was descriptively analysed in form of frequencies and percentages and presented in form of tables. Results: A total of 110 school teachers were interviewed. Majority 108 (98.18%) had knowledge about condition called diabetes. About 96 (87.27%) thought more and more people are getting affected from diabetes. However, only 4 (3.63%) of the respondents had knowledge that diabetes can impact younger people also. According to the responses, renal 63 (57.27%) and ocular 46 (41.82%) involvement were the two most common organs involved in diabetes. Almost half of the respondents felt that family history of diabetes, 54 (49.09%) was the most important risk factor for development of diabetes. Almost one-third, 34 (30.91%) of the respondents did not feel eating healthy and regular blood sugar 103 (93.64%) checking is important in diabetes. About 44 (40%) responding negative to the practice of morning walk for diabetes control. Conclusion: Among school teachers in Arunachal Pradesh majority had a knowledge about diabetes as an entity but there was a significant lacuna in attitude and practices towards diabetes which needs to be inculcated as a means for better education for the teachers and transition of knowledge to students.