Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a growing global public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Despite increasing prevalence in Cameroon, especially in urban areas like Buea, limited research has focused on community-level knowledge of the disease. This study therefore sought to assess the knowledge of adults in the Buea Town community regarding the risk factors, signs and symptoms, and prevention of diabetes mellitus.

Methods: A descriptive, community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 conveniently sampled adults residing in Buea Town. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics and knowledge on diabetes. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel version 23, and descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings.

Results: The results from 100 participants on their knowledge of diabetes in Buea Town showed that most respondents were aged 20-30 years (36%), and the majority were female (57%). Furthermore, the findings revealed that 43% of participants had good knowledge, and 39% had very good knowledge of diabetes risk factors such as obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity. Regarding signs and symptoms, 49% of respondents demonstrated very good knowledge, identifying excessive thirst, urination, and fatigue as common indicators. On prevention, 51% showed very good knowledge, citing regular exercise, healthy diet, and weight control. However, awareness of non-modifiable risk factors and asymptomatic presentations was relatively low.

Conclusion: Overall, knowledge of diabetes among adults in Buea Town is generally good, particularly regarding modifiable risk factors and prevention. Nonetheless, knowledge gaps exist, especially in understanding genetic predispositions and asymptomatic cases. These findings show the need for targeted public health education strategies to enhance comprehensive diabetes awareness.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases involving carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. It is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia, as a result of defects in insulin secretion, insulin action or a combination of both, defective secretion and incorrect action. Diabetes mellitus has been known since antiquity (Karamanouet al., 2016). There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1 (insulin-dependent), and type 2 (non- insulin-dependent).

Type 1 diabetes results by the autoimmune destruction of the β-cells of the pancreatic islets and type 2 diabetes is caused from impaired insulin secretion and resistance to the action of insulin (Kahn et al., 2015). Epidemiological data reveal that 9% of adults, 18 years of age and older, has diabetes mellitus while it was estimated that in 2012, 1.5 million people died due to the disease (CDC, 2012).

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes will be the 7th leading cause of death in 2030 (WHO, 2012). Clinical features similar to diabetes mellitus were described 3000 years ago by the ancient Egyptians.

The term “diabetes” was first coined by Araetus of Cappadocia (8 130AD) Later, the word mellitus (honey sweet) was added by Thomas Willis (Britain) in 1675 after rediscovering the sweetness of urine and blood of patients (first noticed by the ancient Indians). It was only in 1776 that Dobson (a British scientist) firstly confirmed the presence of excess sugar in urine and blood as a cause of their sweetness. In modern time, the history of diabetes coincided with the emergence of experimental medicine (Iskeandar, 2012)

Origins, symptoms and signs of a disease characterized by the ‘too great emptying of urine finds its place in antiquity through Egyptian manuscripts dating back to 1500 B.C (McCracken and Hoel, 1997).Indian physicians called it madhumeha (‘honey urine’) because it attracted ants. (Ritu, 2013). The ancient Indian physician, Sushruta and the surgeon Charaka (400-500 A.D.) were able to identify the two types, later to be named Type I and Type II diabetes. To Aretaeus the Cappadocian, who coined the word diabetes (Greek, ‘siphon’) and dramatically stated “No essential part of the drink is absorbed by the body while great masses of the flesh are liquefied into urine”.

Avicenna (980–1037 A.D) the great Persian physician, in the Canon of Medicine not only referred to abnormal appetite and observed diabetic gangrene but also concocted a mixture of seeds (lupine, fenugreek, zedoary) as a panacea. The term mellitus (Latin, ‘sweet like honey’) was coined by the British Surgeon-General, John Rollo in 1798, to distinguish this diabetes from the other diabetes (Insipidus) in which the urine was tasteless (Lakhtakia, 2013

Diabetes has been around for centuries. In fact, cases of diabetes can be traced as far back as the ancient Egyptians. In the 1800s, dogs helped scientist study and determine how the pancreas and lack of the hormone insulin revealed signs of diabetes. In the 1930s up through the 1970s, society commonly referred to individuals with diabetes as having “sugar,” but the correct medical term for diabetes is ‘diabetes mellitus’. Today, healthcare teams most commonly refer to it as ‘diabetes’. The words “diabetes” and “mellitus” have two very separate meanings. They are, however, linked together and have a meaningful connection. Mellitus means, “pleasant tasting, like honey. Ancient Chinese and Japanese physicians noticed dogs were particularly drawn to some people’s urine. When the urine was examined they found the urine had a sweet taste. What made the urine sweet were high levels of glucose, or sugar.

That is how this discovery of sweet urine became part of the name, diabetes mellitus (Mandall, 2019) Diabetes is an ancient Greek word meaning “passing though; a large discharge of urine.” The meaning is associated with frequent urination, which is a symptom of diabetes. Both frequent urination and excess, sweet glucoses levels expelled in our urine can be signs of diabetes. (Daniels, 2010).

In the world, Diabetes mellitus affects millions of people worldwide and it related complications continue to be of great concern. The condition is rapidly spreading in developing countries and particularly affecting poor population in sub- Saharan Africa (International Diabetes Federation, 2015).The prevalence of diabetes among blacks has increased during the past 30 years and blacks are .7 times as likely to develop diabetes as White.

Among blacks age 20 and older, about 2.3 million have diabetes. Black with diabetes are more likely than non- Hispanic White to develop diabetes and to experience greater disability from diabetes related complication such as amputation, adult blindness, kidney failure and increase risk of heart disease and stroke. Death rate for blacks with diabetes are 27% higher than for white (Sobngwi, 2011)

In the U.S There are 30.3 million people with diabetes (9.4% of the US population) including 23.1 million people who are diagnosed and 7.2 million people (23.8%) undiagnosed. The numbers for pre diabetes indicate that 84.1 million adults (33.9% of the adult U.S. population) have pre diabetes, including 23.1 million adults aged 65 years or older (the age group with highest rate). The estimated percentage of individuals with type 1 diabetes remains at 5% among those with diabetes. The statistics are also provided by age, gender, ethnicity, and for each state/territory so you can search for these specifics. (C.D.C, 2017).

In Cameroon the prevalence of diabetes in adults in urban areas is currently estimated at 6 – 8%, with as much as 80% of people living with diabetes who are currently undiagnosed in the population. Further, according to data from Cameroon in 2002, only about a quarter of people with known diabetes actually had adequate control of their blood glucose levels.

The burden of diabetes in Cameroon is not only high but is also rising data in Cameroonian adults based on three cross-sectional surveys over a 10-year period (1994–2004) showed an almost 10-fold increase in diabetes prevalence. (World diabetes foundation, 2016). Presently, Cameroon’s centre for diabetes and hypertension consults an average of 210 diabetic and hypertensive patients daily. Going by official statistics, about 6% of the population in Cameroon has the disease while over 6,500 diabetic related deaths were recorded in 2013.

Presently, Cameroon’s centre for diabetes and hypertension consults an average of 210 diabetic and hypertensive patients daily. Going by official statistics, about 6% of the population in Cameroon has the disease while over 6,500 diabetic related deaths were recorded in (2013). . Edward et al. (2010), conducted a study in Cameroon titled knowledge, attitude and behaviour relating to diabetes and it main risk factors among urban resident in Cameroon. He reported that many participants during his studies lack awareness of diabetes and knowledge of its causes, clinical course, and complications. However, people’s knowledge and attitude about diabetes mellitus have not been efficiently investigated in the Ndongo community.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Diabetes is a major health problem and is a non- modifiable risk factor to stroke. It is also linked to hypertension. The worldwide increase in type two diabetes is becoming a major health problem in many communities. The lack of knowledge about how to live a healthy lifestyle to reduce the chances of having diabetes put many people at risk of developing diabetes.

Moreover, Edward et al (2011), carried out a research titled knowledge, attitude and behaviour relating to diabetes and its main risk factors among urban resident in Cameroon. He reported that a majority of the participants lacked awareness of diabetes and knowledge of its causes, clinical course, and complications.

Many participants believed diabetes was caused by excessive sugar consumption rather than excessive energy in take, obesity or physical inactivity. This study therefore sought to determine adults’ knowledge on diabetes with the aim of creating more awareness.

1.3 Research Questions

1.3.1 General Research Questions

What level of knowledge do adults’ have on diabetes in the Buea Town community?

1.3.2 Specific Research Questions

1. What knowledge do adults have on the risk factors associated with of diabetes in the Buea town community?
2. What knowledge do adults have on the signs and symptoms of diabetes in the Buea town community?
3. What knowledge do adults have on the prevention of diabetes in the Buea town community?

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