Demographic Determinants of Knowledge, Perception, and Attitude towards Diabetes Mellitus among Public In-School Adolescents in Southern Nigeria

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a severe and long-term condition affecting glucose metabolism, with its prevalence reaching alarming levels. According to the International Diabetes Federation, diabetes is becoming increasingly common among African children and adolescents. This study examined the demographic factors influencing adolescents’ knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes about diabetes in Delta State, Nigeria. The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design. Seven hundred students from Ogbe Secondary School Effurun and Nana College Warri were selected using simple random sampling from November 2019 to February 2022. Data was collected through a four-part semi-structured questionnaire, which included socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of DM, perception of DM, and attitude towards DM. Inferential statistics were determined using logistic regression at a significance level of P<0.05. The average age of the participants was 14.99±1.86 years. Significant determinants of DM knowledge were ages of 16-22 years (P<0.001, OR=1.902), female sex (P=0.001, OR=1.874), senior classes (P<0.001, OR=3.825), and training on the prevention of DM (P=0.001, OR=1.735). Additionally, significant determinants of attitude towards DM were ages of 16-22 years (P=0.001, OR=1.885), female sex (P<0.001, OR=2.652), senior classes (P<0.001, OR=4.128), and training on the prevention of DM (P=0.002, OR=1.748). The study identified demographic variables that predict knowledge, perception, and attitude toward DM among in-school adolescents. These variables should facilitate public health programs’ success and positive outcomes.