RESUMO
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore the level of knowledge and perceptions of T2DM among people in the Rwamagana district. BACKGROUND: Diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the world. Knowledge of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) can assist in early detection of the disease and reduce the incidence of complications. Therefore, a descriptive study was conducted to determine the level of knowledge and perceptions of T2DM among people in the Rwamagana district, Rwanda. DESIGN: The study used a cluster multistage sampling technique to obtain a representative sample. The clusters were provinces, districts, sectors, household clusters and sample units selection. The Kigabiro sector was studied, and a sample size of 355 respondents was calculated using Raosoft Sample Size Calculator (Raosoft, Inc 2004, http://www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html). METHODS: A descriptive method, using questionnaires, was used for data collection. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, contingency tables and chi-square test. The target population comprised 4556 people (women and men aged between 15-65 years) living in a sampled sector of Kigabiro. RESULTS: The level of knowledge of respondents was inadequate. Few respondents got a high score on questions intended to explore the knowledge of definition, signs, causes and risk factors of diabetes. CONCLUSION: The perceptions were also poor and inadequate. The recommendations focused on education campaigns by the Kigabiro sector authorities. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: If people are knowledgeable on managing long-term conditions such as diabetes, there will be less expenditure on curative care. The healthcare services will have fewer burdens, and the focus will be on specific and relevant ailments.
