ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG WOMEN AGED 18–65 YEARS IN AMAWUZU AMAEZE ISHIAGU COMMUNITY, EBONYI STATE

TOPIC: ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS OF DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG WOMEN AGED 18–65 YEARS IN AMAWUZU AMAEZE ISHIAGU COMMUNITY, EBONYI STATE

THIS TOPIC IS ALSO SUITABLE FOR:
1-Nursing Science
2-Public Health
3-Community Health
This research material contains:
1-Chapter One to Five
2-Recent References/citations
3-Tables/Charts/Graphs in Chapter Four
4-Accurate Data Analysis
5-Table of Contents
6-Questionnare

ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, perceived causes and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among women aged 18–65 years in Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu Community, Ebonyi State. The study was specifically carried out to assess the level of knowledge of diabetes mellitus among women in the community, identify the perceived causes of diabetes mellitus among the women, and determine the level of awareness of the risk factors of diabetes among the women. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised 974 female patients aged 18–65 years attending General Hospital Ishiagu and selected primary health centres in Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu Community, while a total of 284 respondents were selected as sample size using the Taro Yamane formula. Out of the 284 questionnaires distributed, 271 were returned and 256 were validated for analysis. The questionnaire was used for data collection, while the data collected were analyzed using frequency tables and percentages with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). From the responses obtained and analyzed, the findings revealed that the level of knowledge of diabetes mellitus among the women was moderate, with 65.6% indicating awareness of diabetes, while 43.8% rated their knowledge as fair. The study also showed that perceived causes of diabetes mellitus included excessive sugar intake (49.2%), hereditary factors (40.6%), and lack of physical activity (38.3%), although 22.7% still attributed the condition to spiritual causes. Likewise, awareness of risk factors of diabetes mellitus was moderate, as 48.4% identified high sugar diet, 46.1% identified age above 40 years, and 40.6% recognized obesity, while lower proportions identified smoking (32.8%) and alcohol use (35.2%) as risk factors. The study concluded that women in Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu Community possess an average level of knowledge and awareness of diabetes mellitus, although significant gaps and misconceptions still exist regarding its causes and risk factors. The study therefore recommends intensified community health education, improved nursing-led awareness programs, and regular screening campaigns to enhance accurate knowledge and promote preventive health practices among women.
Keywords: Diabetes Mellitus, Knowledge, Perceived Causes, Risk Factors, Women, Awareness, Community Health.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION (Preview)
1.1 Background to the Study
Health is commonly perceived to be one of the key elements of human development and productivity of a society as it determines the health and life expectancy of groups in different environments. Health promotion does not just entail treating diseases but also the knowledge of the conditions that affect the individual and community results. Kassaw et al. (2025) also opine that awareness and education are the focal point in the enhancement of the health behaviors and in the prevention of chronic conditions. Health transitions in most developing areas have resulted in a change of priorities in the public health planning, as the burden shifted towards non-communicable diseases (Afaya et al., 2020). The shift highlights the need to study the issue of lifestyle-related conditions in certain groups of people. In addition, Bosun-Arije et al. (2020) mention that demographic factors, including age and gender, play a significant part in exposure to health risks, thus necessitating specific studies. These views offer a general starting point to comprehending the development of chronic illnesses in populations and the need to localize assessments.
DM is a long-term metabolic disease that is typified by hyperglycemia caused by impairments in the secretion of insulin, the effect of insulin, or both. It is commonly known as a multifactorial etiological condition, comprising of genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors (Saxena et al., 2025). The rising globally prevalence of diabetes has placed it as a top priority in the population health, especially in low- and middle-income nations (Aladin et al., 2024). Knowledge about diabetes mellitus covers knowledge about its causes, symptoms, prevention and management strategies, which are vital in early detection and control. Olapeju and Rasidi (2020) posit that people who have sufficient knowledge will get more inclined to implement preventive health practices. Equally, Adekoya et al. (2024) point out that the disease process boosts adherence to health recommendations when one understands the disease process. These lessons underscore the need to determine the levels of knowledge as an essential element in the management of diabetes among certain groups of people.
Diabetes mellitus causes and risk factors are complex and interrelated, with both modifiable and non-modifiable factors. Genetic predisposition, aging, obesity, physical inactivity, or unhealthy eating habits can be termed as risk factors (Gemeda & Woldemariam, 2022). Moreover, cultural and social changes and the transformations in the lifestyle also add to the increasing prevalence of the disease (Twahirwa et al., 2025). The factors that have been associated with increased vulnerability to diabetes are environmental, behavioral factors including urbanization and lack of physical activities (Ebiaremene et al., 2023). The awareness of such risk factors is essential in informing preventive measures especially to women who are mostly the primary caregivers and determinants of health behaviors within the household (Anyahara et al., 2020). Moreover, Afaya et al. (2020) suggest that risk factors awareness may result in early lifestyle changes, thus decreasing the chances of developing a disease. This mutualized view of causes and risk highlights the importance of situation-specific evaluations.
In the community, especially with women in the 18-65 years age group, knowledge, causes and risk factors of diabetes mellitus are all the more pertinent. This is because women in this age group are a critical segment of the population since they have reproductive roles and impact on family health practices. Socio-cultural processes and availability of health information can influence the perceptions and knowledge of diabetes in Ebonyi State, in Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu community (Adekoya et al., 2024). The access to education and healthcare may contribute to differences in awareness and perceptions of the risk factors (Kassaw et al., 2025). Besides, there are potential interactions between local dietary and lifestyle patterns and more general factors that determine the risk of diabetes (Bosun-Arije et al., 2020). By analyzing these factors in the given community, we have a contextualized view that fits in the wider epidemiological patterns yet it mirrors realities that are localized thus creating a platform on which to base informed health interventions.

1.2Statement of the Problem
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most important non-communicable diseases whose relevance in terms of its long-term effects on the individual and community has been on the rise in terms of its public health concerns. It is a metabolic disorder that is characterized by chronic hyperglycemia that is caused by the impaired insulin activity and its management majorly relies on awareness, early detection and change of lifestyle. The awareness on diabetes (its causes, and risk factors) plays a critical role in determining preventative behaviors and health outcomes. Saxena et al. (2025) explain that proper knowledge of chronic diseases increases the chances of proper health behaviors, and Adekoya et al. (2024) calculate that educated people are more prepared to practice preventive and management strategies. This highlights the essence of looking at population-specific awareness, especially to women who tend to be the ones who determine the household health practices and decisions.
Although there is increasing awareness on diabetes mellitus, data indicates that the understanding of its causes and risk factors is still uneven among various groups of people especially the rural and semi-urban areas. The existing circumstances suggest that most people can be relatively poorly informed about the disease, or have a fragmented knowledge about the disease, which impacts their capacity to recognize risk factors and pursue preventive actions. An example of this is that, Afaya et al. (2020) demonstrated differences in the level of awareness based on socio-demographic factors and Gemeda and Woldemariam (2022) identified that the gaps of knowledge remain in regards to modifiable risk factors like diet and physical activity. Ideally, the age group of women aged between 18 and 65 years should have sufficient and comprehensive knowledge on diabetes mellitus, which will help them to make sound health choices and lead to the welfare of their families. Nevertheless, the differences between this ideal anticipation and the present level of awareness suggest that it is necessary to investigate it specifically.
Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu community, Ebonyi State, has little empirical data that specifically relates to the level of knowledge, the knowledge of causes and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among women age 18-65 years. Such a lack of localized evidence complicates the process of designing specific interventions that are reflective of the community realities. Although general studies can give information about diabetes awareness, they might not reveal the socio-cultural and environmental aspects that impact the knowledge in this particular environment (Kassaw et al., 2025). As a result, the lack of context-specific data leaves the question on how much awareness there is and how it is formed open. This research thus aims at evaluating the knowledge, etiology and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among women in the chosen community, and the purpose of this is to produce evidence that when used to design specific health education and intervention measures.
1.3 Objective of the Study
The main purpose of this study is to assess knowledge, causes and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among women aged 18–65 years in Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu Community, Ebonyi State. The specific objectives of the study seek to:
1.To assess the level of knowledge of diabetes mellitus among women in Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu Community.
2.To identify the perceived causes of diabetes mellitus among the women in Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu Community.
3.To determine the level of awareness of the risk factors of diabetes among the women in Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu Community.
Other parts of chapter one include:
1.4 Research Questions
1.5 Significance of the Study
1.6 Scope of the study.
1.7 Operational definition of terms.

CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF LITERATURE (Preview)
This chapter critically examines relevant literature that would assist in explaining the research problem and, furthermore, recognizes the efforts of scholars who had previously contributed immensely to similar research. The chapter intends to deepen the understanding of the study and close the perceived gaps. This chapter, therefore, focuses on the concept of diabetes mellitus, types of diabetes mellitus, knowledge of diabetes mellitus, prevalence and causes of diabetes mellitus, risk factors of diabetes mellitus, and prevention and management of diabetes mellitus among women etc. The chapter is sub-grouped into the following major headings:
2.1 Conceptual Framework
2.2 Theoretical Framework
2.3 Empirical Review
2.4 Summary of Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (Preview)
Presented below is a snapshot of key areas of the study methodology, the full and detail chapter three methodology is contained in the instant download document.

Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design.
Population of the Study: The population of the study comprised female patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years registered with and receiving healthcare services from the General Hospital, Ishiagu, and the primary health centres at Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu Community.
Sample Size Determination: The study adopted the Taro Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 284 participants.
Sampling Technique: The study employed a multistage sampling technique involving stratification and systematic sampling to select the respondents.
Research Instrument: The study utilized a structured questionnaire titled “Knowledge and Awareness of Diabetes Mellitus among Women” as the instrument for data collection.
Methods of Data Analysis: The collected data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations to summarize and present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and their responses.
Full outline for chapter three;
3.1 Research Design
3.2 Area of the Study
3.3. Population of the Study
3.4 Sample Size
3.5 Sampling Technique
3.6  Instrument for Data Collection
3.7 Validity of the Instrument
3.8 Reliability of the Instrument
3.9 Method of Data Collection
3.10 Method of Data Analysis
3.11 Ethical Consideration

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
MAJOR FINDINGS (Preview)
The analysis results were presented in tables and charts. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the following major findings were made:

i. The study found that women in Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu Community possess a moderate level of knowledge of diabetes mellitus, as evidenced by 65.6% of respondents having heard about the disease, while 43.8% rated their knowledge as fair. The findings further revealed noticeable gaps in their understanding of the causes, symptoms, complications, prevention and treatment of diabetes mellitus.

ii. The study found that respondents demonstrated a moderate and somewhat fragmented understanding of the perceived causes of diabetes mellitus, as evidenced by 49.2% identifying excessive sugar intake, 40.6% identifying hereditary factors, 38.3% identifying lack of physical activity, and 43.0% identifying unhealthy diet as causes. However, a considerable proportion of respondents disagreed with these established causes, indicating gaps in their understanding of the causes of diabetes mellitus.

iii. The study found that awareness of the risk factors of diabetes mellitus among women in Amawuzu Amaeze Ishiagu Community is relatively moderate but inconsistent, as evidenced by 46.1% identifying age above 40 years, 43.8% identifying family history, 40.6% identifying obesity, and 48.4% identifying high sugar diet as risk factors. The findings further revealed that a higher proportion of respondents lacked correct identification of several established risk factors, including high blood pressure, excessive alcohol intake and smoking.

CHAPTER FIVE: DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
This chapter covers the following outline:
5.1 Key Findings
5.2 Implications of the Findings to Nursing Practice
5.3 Summary of the Study
5.4 Conclusion
5.5 Limitations of the Study 
5.6 Recommendations
5.7 Suggestions for Further Studies
Reference
Appendix

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