Evaluation of the Knowledge and Practice about Diabetes Mellitus of Adult Population in Porto Novo (Benin)

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common non-communicable diseases in the world. The aim of our study was to assess the level of knowledge of the adult population of Porto-Novo on clinical manifestations and complications of diabetes mellitus. Methods: It is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted under STEP wise approach. It took place from June 1 to July 28, 2014. Results: A total of 240 subjects were included in the study. The mean age of the subjects was 46.07 years ± 12.63 years, ranging from 25 to 80 years. Subjects age between 35 - 45 years are the most represented. Women were mostly represented 162 against 78 men respectively 67.5% against 32.5% with sex ratio of 0.48. The majority of the subjects were scholar (73.3%). For clinical manifestations of diabetes mellitus, 64.2% of subjects had quoted polyuria, asthenia 57.5%, 56.7% weight loss. Polydipsia and polyphagia were less familiar with, respectively, 27.5% and 23.3%. Regarding the complications of diabetes, diabetic foot and coma were the best known, respectively, 78.8% and 58.8%. Nephropathy (45.0%), 39.6% retinopathy and neuropathy (21.7%) were the least known. The prevalence of physical inactivity in this study population was 95.0%. It was 98.1% in women versus 88.5% for men. Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus, whose prevalence is steadily increasing, is not yet well known in our population.