Assessment of Risk Factors, Disease Control, and Health-Seeking Behavior of Diabetes Mellitus among Urban Slum Populations

Abstract

This cross-sectional descriptive study aims to specify the trend, major risk factors, and control of Diabetes mellitus (DM) patients in urban slum areas. A significant progression in adult populations globally has made it a major 
public health issue and a disaster of recent times. Lack of awareness, social constraints, and absence of community participation to address this public health issue contributed to a socio-economic burden on society. The study concluded the trends, major risk factors, and behavior regarding Diabetes Mellitus.  A total of 164 males and 211 females were included in the study with a median age of 53.03 years. Following demographic information, the risk factors, duration of DM presence, practice regarding control, type of treatment taken, and the medical advice to manage the disease were observed as variables of the study. Risk factors such as hypertension 65%, dyslipidemia 41%, obesity 29%, and ischemic heart disease 33% were observed significantly. A high ratio of 62% among the study population did not control the disease properly. Only 35% of people knew the presence of the disease for 6-15 years. Only 26% of participants visited a general physician for medical advice regarding DM. Diabetes mellitus needs to be addressed due to lack of awareness, poor perception, and behavior among the diabetic community of urban slum areas. Further study on a large scale, considering a larger sample size and expanding the community area, may be helpful to establish guidelines to fight against this public health disaster.