Abstract

*Dr. Danyal Shafiq Butt, Dr. Zainab Tufail, Dr. Hooriya Shafiq Butt, Dr. Zahra Qamar, Maham Iqbal Butt and Rabia Tufail

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To assess the knowledge and Practices for healthy lifestyle among diabetics in Multan, Pakistan. Study Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Out-patient Departments (OPD), Nishtar Hospital Multan, Pakistan from October, 2021 to November, 2021. Materials and Methods: SPSS 21 was used for data interpretation, percentages, frequencies were calculated and table was formed. Sample of 100 diabetic patients was taken. Sample was selected by convenient non-probability method of sampling. People of age group 20 to 75 years having history of diagnosed diabetes for at least 2 years were selected. Results: The results of present study revealed that diabetes is most prevalent in age group of 40-60 years (54%). Health practices were found to be good in those who attended university (88.88%) as compared to those who never went to school. Disease was distributed in respondents of upper economic class 0 of respondents). Males had better knowledge (63%) than females (37%). 58% people who had disease were those with Positive family history.57% of people believed that diabetics should take multiple small meals instead of few large ones. 67% of respondents believed that all underground vegetables are prohibited for diabetics and 50% believed that fish is best type of meat for their health. 83% of the sample believed that vegetable oil as best kind of fat. 93% believed that regular talk is important for disease control and 70% believed that foot care is necessary in diabetics. Only 35% people believed had adequate knowledge about HbA1c. 45%people believed that diet drinks be consumed as much as wanted. Conclusion: Our study sample it is concluded that overall community awareness about disease duration, Complications and preventive measures of diabetes mellitus is satisfactory. Well educated diabetic patients have good knowledge about disease regular checkup. Complications and preventive measures (for example; regular walk) than less or uneducated patients. Males have good knowledge than females, but overall knowledge about diet schedule, medication and timings of test was not satisfactory. Care about feet was not practiced. Males were affected more; especially good socioeconomic status at age 40-60 years. Health practices were not found to be up to the mark. So, appropriate education about dietary control, life style, regular checkups and proper use of medicines should be given to control the disease.