Adejumo Olamide Hakeem
Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Diabetes Metab
It is a unique study as it aims to relate the psychosocial effects of religion & culture with the awareness, knowledge and attitude of Nigerians regarding diabetes prevention and care in an urban setting in south-west Nigeria. Our study population included a higher proportion of female respondents (65%), with the majority between 19 and 29 years old (56%). The majority were unemployed (67%) or in the teaching profession (24%). Over half (58%) of our respondents were Christian (C); while 41% were Muslim (M), and 1% were Traditional worshippers (TW). At least 25% of Nigerians believed that diabetes was due to witchcraft or a punishment from God. Specifically, 28% of respondents believed that diabetes was caused by an infection; this belief was more prevalent among Muslims compared to other religions (C vs. M vs. T: 33% vs. 66% vs. 1%). Also, 16% and 10% of respondents believed diabetes could be caused by witchcraft or by god, respectively; these beliefs were more prevalent among christians compared to others (C vs. M vs. T: 84% vs. 14% vs. 2% and 63% vs. 34% vs. 3%, respectively). (P<0.0001). Nearly all (90%) of respondents believed that diabetes can kill; this belief was more prevalent among Christians compared to others (C vs. M vs. T: 60% vs. 39% vs. 1%) (P<0.0001). From our study we conclude that many respondents have inadequate knowledge about the causes of diabetes & its complications. Future studies should attempt to improve knowledge about diabetes.
Email: hakeem_adejumo@yahoo.com
