Prevalence of Type II in Saudi Arabia - Essay Example

? TYPE II DIABETES IN THE KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA By 7th, September, Type II diabetes is the most common type of diabetes among the elderly generation. The disease is mainly linked to old age, unhealthy lifestyles, and habits. Due to its association with old age, most people do not value preventive information. Nearly 50% of Saudis lack information on the dangers and causes of type II diabetes. The population also has a negative attitude towards healthy eating habits and physical exercise as a preventive measure. Education is also a major factor that determines prevalence of type II diabetes among the Saudis. Education promotes healthy eating habits and lifestyles among the citizens. Prevalence of type II diabetes is closely associated with people’s lifestyles and eating habits. Saudis have a higher prevalence rate of type II diabetes compared to their counterparts in other developed countries (Mansour et al. 2004). Type II Diabetes in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Introduction Type II diabetes, commonly known as non-insulin dependent diabetes, is the most common among the older generation. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by excessive sugar in the blood and insulin deficiency. The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus in adults, in Saudi Arabia, is 23.7% (Mansour et al. 2004). It has been established that the prevalence rate for diabetes in the kingdom is increasing rapidly, making diabetes a major health issue in the kingdom. The disorder has been confirmed to be a lifestyle disease and the high prevalence rate is an indication of a deteriorating trend. Type II diabetes is associated with loss of bodily functions and inactiveness that is associated with old age (Mansour et al. 2004). Studies have shown that the global increase in the prevalence of diabetes is mostly associated with sedentary lifestyles and high fat diets leading to obesity (Almajwal, Williams and Batterham, 2009). Obese people are at a higher risk of developing type II diabetes. In one study, four out of five people with type II diabetes were obese or overweight. The link between type II diabetes and obesity is that fat induces mild inflammation throughout the body, contributing to heart diseases (Adamson et al., 2001). People with insulin resistance are also at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is a condition where cells fail to utilize insulin to convert blood sugar to its storage form. Body cells response to insulin can be altered by excessive fat, especially abdominal fat (Almajwal, Williams & Batterham, 2009). Calorie dense diet consisting of refined foods and beverages such as artificial fruit juices or sodas and too little vegetables, raw fruits and whole grains significantly increase the risk to type 2 diabetes (Almajwal, Williams and Batterham, 2009). Too much TV time has also been associated with obesity and development of type 2 diabetes (Al Shafaee et al., 2008). This has been attributed to the high probability of snacking while watching TV. Frequent TV watchers have been reported to consume an average of 137 more calories than their peers consume (Almajwal, Williams & Batterham, 2009). Cutting TV watching time to less than ten hours a week and adding in a daily 30-minute walk was found to reduce cases of diabetes by 43% in one study group (Elhadd, Al-Amoudi and Alzahrani, 2007). Physical inactivity is another significant risk factor in the development of type 2 diabetes (Sargeant, Wareham & Khaw, 2000). Lean muscle mass plays a role in body protection against insulin resistance. A study involving older individuals having abdominal obesity demonstrated that a mix of resistance training and aerobics helps reduce insulin resistance (Vann, 2006). Poor sleep habits have also been shown to increase demand on the pancreas, thus affecting the body’s insulin balance. A survey carried out on adults indicated that individuals who sleep for more than nine hours a night or less than five hours were at more risk of developing type 2 diabetes (Almajwal, Williams and Batterham, 2009). A study conducted by Saadia et al. (2010) revealed that although there was appreciable knowledge of diabetes, its causes and consequences, there were poor attitudes and practices towards it. This can be understood by behavioral theories such as the health belief model. The health belief model identifies factors that are likely to increase or reduce health-related activities. Such factors include sharing with family members about perceived susceptibility, severity, benefits, barriers, and cause of action (Berker, 1992). The poor attitude of Saudi Arabians toward diabetes is potentially one reason for the increase in prevalence. However, there is no clear research based evidence on whether exposure to formal education can improve the quality of knowledge and, therefore, the perception of individuals towards type II diabetes amongst Saudis. Knowledge surveys effectively provide the baseline for evaluation and intervention programs. This research aims to fill the gap in research by examining the knowledge and the influence on university student’s lifestyle choices. The study will explore elements of the Health Belief Model to understand if students who tend to be more knowledgeable about type II diabetes will believe that changes in lifestyle can reduce the risk of type II diabetes. This research article will provide a response to the following research question: How does the knowledge of diabetes influence university student’s lifestyle choices? It is hypothesized that students who are more knowledgeable about diabetes suggest changes in their patients’ lifestyle management. Methods Study design A quantitative study was conducted using a cross sectional approach to determine the relationship between the level of knowledge and diabetes prevalence. Cross-sectional approach utilizes a population sample with outstanding differences. The main advantage of such studies is that it gives an actual or real representation of the problem. The study targeted university students from different age groups and genders. Primary data was collected through questionnaires to determine whether the student understands the risks and severity of type II diabetes. The study was based on the health brief model to enhance its standards. Being a qualitative study, the research was expected to establish people’s attitude and views towards the condition (Berker, 1992). Participants Participants for the study were drawn from different university faculties across the country. The sample comprised students from different age groups, genders and with a different level of education. The samples were selected through random sampling in order to avoid probabilistic errors and give an equal chance to all possibilities (Creswell, 2008). Data Collection Primary data was collected through questionnaires that were distributed to thirty participants. Each participant was to take about 5-10 minutes to respond to all the multiple choice questions provided in the questionnaire. Each respondent was entitled to a single questionnaire and his or her anonymity was highly observed. Each of the questionnaires had a special code to facilitate data entry and analysis. The estimate of type II diabetes knowledge and perception was determined for the total sample before conducting the process for different subgroups of gender, faculty, year of education and age groups. This provided discrete information on people’s behavior and awareness. Data Analysis Following a successful data collection process, the data was analyzed using Statistical Package SPSS to determine various statistical measures. The data analysis process was facilitated by the special code assigned to each of the questionnaire. Coding of questionnaires also facilitated the data entry process by ensuring accountability of all questionnaires. Coding is the assigning of random reference numbers to questionnaires. This enables the researcher to trace sources of errors and other follow-ups. Results Sample statistics for the population surveyed in this study, aimed at identifying factors that lead to type II diabetes mellitus. The study also aimed to indentify the relationship between education and prevalence of diabetes. Thus, the questionnaire involved identifying the sample perception of diabetes, whether it was a dangerous disease, the cause of diabetes, preventive and dietary measures to prevent the disease, and the sample population perception of the category of people likely to develop type II diabetes. In characterizing the sample, frequency tables showed that all the sample subjects were males, 30 in number, with their age ranging from 26 years to 35 years, thereby representing a 100 per cent as indicated in the chart below. From the study, it is evident that most people consider type II diabetes as a deadly disease. More than 67% of respondents confirmed that indeed, diabetes is a dangerous disease. Only one individual defied the assumption that diabetes is a dangerous disease. The table below gives precise findings of the results. Table 1: Do You Think Diabetes Is a Dangerous Disease? Perception Strongly agree Agree Not Sure Strongly disagree Frequency 1 20 8 1 Percent 3.3 66.7 26.7 3.3 Table 1 gives a clear representation of people’s views and attitude towards the condition as indicted in the pie chart. The chart below gives a more precise view of people’s attitude towards diabetes. Figure 1: Perception of Type II Diabetes Mellitus among the Respondents The researchers were also interested in establishing the causes of type II diabetes and people’s attitude towards its prevention. The main cause of type II diabetes was listed as genetic factors, obesity, poor diet or, in some cases, vitamin D deficiency. Consequently, the study was interested in establishing disparity in opinions across different generations. Interestingly, more than half, 56.7% representing 17 subjects in the sample, linked type II diabetes to obesity. However, a few individuals linked the disease to poor diet and genetic factors. It is obvious that vitamin D shortage and unhealthy diet have similar implications on prevalence of diabetes. In this case, more than 30% of respondents linked poor diet and vitamin D deficiency to type II diabetes. Therefore deducing from the statistics, obesity is the leading cause of type II diabetes. The table below gives figures of prevalence rate in relation to the causes of diabetes. Table 2: Causes of Type II Diabetes Genetic factors Obesity Poor Diet Vitamin D insufficiency Frequency 4 17 4 5 Percent 13.3 56.7 13.3 16.7 These figures are well illustrated in the pie chart below, which illustrates the subject’s opinion towards the cause of type II diabetes. The chart also illustrates correlation between the level of knowledge and awareness of the condition. Figure 2: Subjects’ Opinions on the Causes of Diabetes Mellitus [Type II] From the statistic, it is evident that the majority of people are aware of the prevalence rate and the dangers of type II diabetes. The study also investigated personal measures and initiatives taken to prevent the condition. The study focused on people’s behavior and attitude towards physical exercise, balanced diet, adequate sleep, and avoiding stressful situations. Of the personal initiatives, 14 subjects, representing 46.7% of survey subjects, exercised to curb the disease, whereas only 23.3% were of the opinion that sleeping early could prevent type II diabetes mellitus (see below ; a pie chart representation of the statistics is also provided in Figure 3). Table 3: Personal Measures to Prevent Diabetes Exercise Diet Sleep early Frequency 14 9 7 Percent 46.7 30.0 23.3 Figure 3: Personal Measures to Prevent Type II Diabetes The study also probed the dietary measures adapted by the subjects in the study to curb type II diabetes. These measures included avoiding fatty food and alcohol and eating plenty of fruits and vegetables. A majority were of the opinion that avoiding fatty foods could prevent type II diabetes mellitus. Table 4: Dietary Measures to Avoid Type II Diabetes Mellitus Avoid fatty food Avoid alcohol Eat plenty of fruits & vegetables Frequency 15 7 8 Percent 50 23.3 26.7 Figure 4: Subjects’ Dietary Measures to Curb Type II Diabetes Mellitus Answers to the question on which category of the population was at the highest risk of developing type II diabetes were as follows: a staggering 70% of the subjects were of the opinion that the elderly are at a high risk of developing the disease (see Table 5 and Error: Reference source not found). Table 5: Category of People Most Likely to Develop Type II Diabetes Elderly Youth Frequency 21 9 Percent 70 30 Discussion The study aimed to establish people’s views and attitude towards type II diabetes. Results from the study indicate a direct correspondence between knowledge and people’s health. This is a common occurrence in most developed and developing countries. Unlike other preventable and curable diseases, diabetes is mainly linked to genetics and unhealthy lifestyles (Almajwal, Williams & Batterham, 2009). Type II diabetes mainly affects the elderly generation. This makes the active generation associate the condition with old age, and hence of lack concern for its prevention and treatment. Thus, the findings confirm the current situation in reference to knowledge of type II diabetes. Type II diabetes mainly results from poor diet and lack of physical exercise. According to Mansour et al. (2004), obesity is the leading cause of type II diabetes among the elderly population. However, people lack a distinction factor to measure or determine the quality of their diet. Education is a critical factor for determining people’s lifestyles and preference towards healthy diet. Knowledge of the leading cause of type II diabetes has influenced university students towards adopting health lifestyles and eating habits. Disparity in levels of education between the elderly and the younger generation is also the main factor separating the two societies in terms of susceptibility to diabetes (Mansour et al., 2004). The older generation prefers unhealthy lifestyles and eating habits that promote type II diabetes. For instance, most elderly people consider eating processed food and inactiveness as an indication of wealth. Susceptibility of type II diabetes is highly dependent on age. According to the study results, 70% of victims are from the older generation. This has made type II diabetes be classified as an old age disease. Old age comes with various health issues, which include loss of immunity and bodily function. Low immunity and malfunctioning of various organs such as the pancreas is a major cause of type II diabetes. However, the results could also be used to explain lifestyle difference between the youth and the elderly generation. It has been established that a healthy diet is vital in preventing type II diabetes. Most health professionals recommend low fat foods, avoiding alcohol and plenty of fruits and vegetables in one’s diet. However, most people do not adhere to the recommended diet due to poor perception and attitude. According to the study, 50% of cases are linked to unhealthy eating habits and diets. The study also established that only 26% of participants considered fruits and vegetables essential in preventing type II diabetes. Avoiding alcohol is also a major concern among the elderly population. Avoiding alcohol was also identified as a major factor in preventing type II diabetes. However, people from Saudi Arabia consume less alcohol compared to their counterparts in other developed countries (Almajwal, Williams & Batterham, 2009). Therefore, the impacts of alcohol consumption in promoting type II diabetes are not measurable. The prevalence of type II diabetes is closely associated with people’s attitude towards the condition. According to the study, the majority of respondents associated the condition with obesity or poor diet. Thirteen percent of participants associated diabetes with genetic factors. These figures indicate the general attitude of the people and preparedness towards the disease. However, there is a disparity in attitude towards the cause of type II diabetes across different age groups. For instance, the older generation has opposing views towards the cause of type II diabetes. Being a quantitative study, the researcher was interested in establishing a link between the existing literature and the real situation. In addition, the study was interested in establishing the views of the people towards the causes and prevention of type II diabetes. Thus, the study lacked the ability to estimate other useful variables such as the number of deaths resulting from the condition. In addition, the study did not incorporate the country’s economic factors as a major cause of type II diabetes. Conclusion Type II diabetes is mainly associated with old age and unhealthy lifestyles. People lack interest in information on prevention of type II diabetes. Education is a major factor for dealing and preventing type II diabetes in the country. Economic progress in the country has created a class of wealthy people who do not value healthy eating habits and physical exercise. In addition, the wealthy society considers inactiveness as an indication of wealth. The research was conducted through a qualitative study that sought to establish the relationship between prevalence of type II diabetes and people’s attitude. Thus, the study could not be utilized to measure other critical variables associated with the disease, such as the number of deaths. The study confirmed that the people had a negative attitude towards healthy diets and physical exercise as a preventive measure. References Adamson, A.J., Foster, E., Butler, T.J., Bennet, S. &Walker, M., 2001. Non-diabetic relatives of Type 2 diabetic families: dietary intake contributes to the increased risk of diabetes. Diabet. Med., 18, pp. 984–990. Al-Ghamdi, A., Al-Turki, K., Al-Baghli, N. & El-Zubaier, A., 2007. A community-based screening campaign for the detection of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the eastern province, Saudi Arabia: Methods and participation rates. J Fam Com Med.,14 (3), pp. 91–7. [Online] Available at: http://www.emro.who.int/emhj/V16/06/16_6_2010_0621_0629.pdf [Accessed 29/8/2011]. Almajwal, A. M., Al-Baghli, N. A., Batterham, M. J., Williams, P. G., Al-Turki, K. A. and Al-Ghamdi, A. J., 2009. Performance of body mass index in predicting diabetes and hypertension in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. Annals of Saudi Medicine, 29 (6), pp. 437–445. [Online] Available at: http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1230&context=hbspapers [Accessed 29/8/2011]. Almajwal, A. Williams, P. & Batterham, M., 2009. Current dietetic practices of obesity management in Saudi Arabia and comparison with Australian practices and best practice criteria. [Online] Available at: http://ro.uow.edu.au/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1121&context=hbspapers. Al Shafaee, M. A., Al-Shukaili, S., Rizvi, S. G., Al Farsi, Y., Khan, M. A., Ganguly, S.S. and Afifi, M., 2008. Knowledge and perceptions of diabetes in a semi-urban Omani population. BMC Public Health. [Online] Available at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2458-8-249.pdf [Accessed 29/8/2011]. Becker, M. H., 1994. The Health Belief Model and sick role behavior .Health Educ Monogr, 2, pp. 409–419. Creswell, J. W. (2008). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Elhadd, T., Al-Amoudi, A. and Alzahrani, A., 2007. Epidemiology, clinical and complications profile of diabetes in Saudi Arabia: a review. Ann Saudi Med., 27 (4), pp. 241–50. [Online] Available at: http://www.saudiannals.net/article.asp?issn=0256-4947;year=2007;volume=27;issue=4;spage=241;epage=250;aulast=Elhadd [Accessed 29/8/2011]. Mansour, M. A., Mohammed, A. A., Yaqoub, Y. A., Saad, S. A., Mohammed, R. A., Mohamed, Z. K., Nazeer, B. K., Akram, A., Khalid, A., Mohammed, S. N., Moheeb, A., Omer, A., Maie, S. A. and Abdulellah A., 2004. .Diabetes in Saudi Arabia. [Online] Available at: http://www.saudipolitics.com/2008/02/diabetes-in-saudi-arabia.html [Accessed 29/8/2011]. Saadia, Z., Rushdi, S., Alsheha, M., Saeed, H. and Rajab, R., 2010. A study of knowledge attitude and practices of Saudi women towards diabetes mellitus. A (KAP) study in Al-Qassim Region.The Internet Journal of Health 2010, 11 (2). [Online] Available at: http://www.ispub.com/journal/the_internet_journal_of_health/volume_11_number_2_11/article/a-study-of-knowledge-attitude-and-practices-of-saudi-women-towards-diabetes-mellitus-a-kap-study-in-al-qassim-region.html [Accessed 29/8/2011]. Sargeant, L. A., Wareham, N.J. and Khaw, K.T., 2000. Family history of diabetes identifies a group at increased risk for the metabolic consequences of obesity and physical inactivity in EPIC-Norfolk: a population-based study: the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer. Int J ObesRelatMetabDisord, 24, pp. 1333–1339. Vann, M., 2006. Causes of type 2 diabetes: eating too much and exercising too little are two of the main reasons why people develop type 2 diabetes. [Online] Available at: http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/32/2/251.full [Accessed 31/8/2011]. Appendices CONSENT FORM FOR PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH I …Alahmadi..Naif............................................................................................................................ being over the age of 18 years hereby consent to participate as requested in the …Questionnaire. ……………… for the research project on…the knowledge of Diabetes influence university student’s lifestyle choices …………………………………………………….. 1. I have read the information provided. 2. Details of procedures and any risks have been explained to my satisfaction. 3. I am aware that I should retain a copy of the Letter of Introduction, Information Sheet and Consent Form for future reference. 4. I understand that: I may not directly benefit from taking part in this research. I am free to withdraw from the project at any time and am free to decline to answer particular questions. While the information gained in this study will be published as explained, I will not be identified, and individual information will remain confidential. Whether I participate or not, or withdraw after participating, will have no effect on my progress in my course of study, or results gained. I may ask that the data collection be stopped at any time, and that I may withdraw at any time from the session or the research without disadvantage. 5. I have had the opportunity to discuss taking part in this research with a family member or friend. Participant’s signature……………………………………Date…………………... I certify that I have explained the study to the volunteer and consider that she/he understands what is involved and freely consents to participation. Researcher’s name…................. Researcher’s signature…………………………………..Date……………………. NB: Two signed copies should be obtained. The copy retained by the researcher must be provided to the Topic Coordinator prior to submission of the Final Assignment. THIS COPY TO BE RETAINED BY THE PARTICIPANT CONSENT FORM FOR PARTICIPATION IN RESEARCH I …............................................................................................................................ Being over the age of 18 years hereby consent to participate as described in the ………………………………… for the research project on ………………………. 6. I have read the information provided. 7. Details of procedures and any risks have been explained to my satisfaction. 8. I am aware that I should retain a copy of the Letter of Introduction, Information Sheet, and Consent Form for future reference. 9. I understand that: I may not directly benefit from taking part in this research. I am free to withdraw from the project at any time and am free to decline to answer particular questions. While the information gained in this study will be published as explained, I will not be identified, and individual information will remain confidential. Whether I participate or not, or withdraw after participating, will have no effect on my progress in my course of study, or results gained. I may ask that the data collection be stopped at any time, and that I may withdraw at any time from the session or the research without disadvantage. 10. I have had the opportunity to discuss taking part in this research with a family member or friend. Participant’s signature……………………………………Date…………………... I certify that I have explained the study to the volunteer and consider that she/he understands what is involved and freely consents to participation. Researcher’s name………………………………….……………………................. Researcher’s signature…………………………………..Date……………………. Dear Sir or Madam, RE: Student Research Project Letter of Introduction The letter is to introduce [Alahmadi Naif], who is an undergraduate student enrolled in the core topic Quantitative Methods for Social Health Research. The student will produce their student card, which carries a photograph as proof of identity. The student is undertaking research as part of a major assignment for the Topic stated above. The student would be most grateful if you would volunteer to assist in this project, by taking part in the study that involves [the knowledge of Diabetes influence university students’ lifestyle choices]. No more than 5 minutes of your time on one occasion will be required to take part in the study. Be assured that any information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence and none of the participants in the study will be individually identified in the resulting assignment, report or any other publication. You are, of course, entirely free to discontinue your participation at any time or to decline to answer particular questions. Please be aware that as your data is not identified in any way, once the data is submitted we will be unable to remove your individual data from the study. The student intends to collect data by [questionnaires] and will seek your written consent, on the attached form. Any enquiries you may have concerning this project should first be directed to the student, or alternatively, can be directed to me at the address given above or by telephone on 08 8201 5770 or email christopher.barton@flinders.edu.au Thank you for your attention and assistance. Yours Sincerely, Dr Christopher Barton Topic Coordinator/Lecturer Quantitative Methods for Social Health Research PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET {The knowledge of Diabetes influence university student’s lifestyle choices} Description of Study This research is being undertaken as part of a major assignment for the Topic Quantitative Methods for Social Health Research that the student researcher is completing as part of their university degree. In this research, seek to investigate that knowledge and experiences of the University in the flinders university. This research will help the researcher to find out information about the knowledge of the university student about diabetes and the influence patient to lifestyle choice. All participants need to be over the age of 18 years. What does participating in the study involve? The participants that researcher seek are from the university students. The researcher asking you to answer all questions and all of the questions are close ended and multiple choices and will not take more than 10 minutes. There is no obligation to take part in this research. If you do not wish to take part, please inform the student researcher. You are, of course, entirely free to discontinue your participation at any time or to decline to answer particular questions. Please be aware that as your data is not identified in any way, once the data is submitted we will be unable to remove your individual data from the study. Confidentiality All data collected during the study will be de-identified at the time of collection by the use of a study ID number at the time of collection. This ID number will not be linked to your name or other identifying information. The information collected will not be published or disseminated further and will be used solely for the purposes of a university assignment You will also need to complete a consent form. These consent forms will be held by the Topic Coordinator for a period of 12 months from the end semester 2 and then destroyed by shredding. Outcomes of the study This study is being conducted as a requirement for the University Topic Quantitative Methods for Social Health Research. The findings will be reported as part of the final assignment for this topic, which will be marked by a member of the teaching staff for the Topic. Results will not be published or presented elsewhere. Benefits of participating While there will not be any direct benefits to you from participating in this study, this research project is an important component of the education for the student researcher, and skills they develop during this topic will be able to be applied by them in their careers benefitting the community into the future. Monitoring of the research and questions about this project A scientific proposal for the project has been approved by the students tutor. Any enquiries you may have concerning this project should first be directed to the student researcher on alah0003@flinders.eud.au Alternatively, you can contact the Topic Coordinator, Dr Christopher Barton, by telephone on 08 8201 5770 or email Christopher.barton@flinders.edu.au This study has been reviewed by the Flinders Behavioral and Social Science Ethics Committee (project number 5280). If you wish to discuss the study with someone not directly involved, in particular in relation to policies, your rights as a participant, or should you wish to make a confidential complaint, you may contact the Executive Officer Research Services Office, Ms Andrea Mather by phone (8201-3116) or email (human.researchethics@flinders.edu.au). If participants will be recruited verbally, ensure that the verbal script to be used to recruit participants is provided. The Committee recognizes that a verbal script cannot predict all the possible responses or questions from potential participants and does not expect that the researcher will read directly from it during interaction with participants, as this would impede open and natural communication. The verbal script should be an explanation of the key points that will be communicated to participants during contact and recruitment. This will enable the participants to have a complete picture of what the research entails to ensure that informed consent can be given (see section 2.2.6 under General Requirements for Consent in the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research) Verbal script (if applicable) Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about this research project. My name is Alahmadi Naif and I am undertaking this research project as part of the Health Sciences topic Quantitative Research Methods for Social Health Sciences. The study is titled the knowledge of Diabetes influence university student’s lifestyle choices and aims to find out the knowledge and the influence university students lifestyle choices. The Topic Coordinator is Dr Christopher Barton, and he is the principal supervisor for this study. The study has ethics approval by the Social and Behavioral Ethics Committee of Flinders University. The study involves Questionnaires that will take about 10 minutes to complete and asks you about the knowledge and the influence university student’s lifestyle choices. Would you be willing to read more about the project and consider taking part as a research study participant? Questionnaire 1. Age group. 18-25 years [ ] 26-35 years [ ] 36-45 years [ ] 46-55 years [ ] 2. Gender Male [ ] Female [ ] 3. Year of study at the university First year [ ] Second year [ ] Third year [ ] Fourth year and above [ ] 4. Marital status Married [ ] Single [ ] Living with family [ ] other (specify) [ ] 5. Do you think diabetes is a dangerous disease? Strongly agree [ ] agree [ ] not sure [ ] strongly disagree [ ] disagree [ ] 6. How many types of diabetes do we have? One [ ] Two [ ] other (specify) [ ] don’t know [ ] 7. What cause type II diabetes? Genetic factors yes [ ] No [ ] Obesity yes [ ] No [ ] Poor diet yes [ ] No [ ] Vitamin D insufficient yes [ ] No [ ] 8. Are there other factors that contribute to the onset of type II diabetes? Yes [ ] No [ ] 9. Where did you obtain this knowledge about diabetes? Class [ ] Family [ ] Friends [ ] Media [ ] Social gatherings [ ] Other (specify) [ ] 10. On a scale of 1 to 10, how dangerous will you rate diabetes as a disease? [ ] 11. What category of people are most at risk to developing type 2 diabetes? The elderly [ ] The youth [ ] Infants [ ] don’t know [ ] 12. Do you think Diabetes type II is preventable? Yes [ ] No [ ] 13. What measures do you personally take to prevent diabetes? a) Exercise yes [ ] No [ ] b) Diet yes [ ] No [ ] c) Sleep early yes [ ] No [ ] 14. Do you engage in physical exercises? Yes [ ] No [ ] 15. How often do you exercise? a) Several times a day [ ] b) Daily [ ] c) Every fortnight [ ] d) Weekly [ ] e) Monthly [ ] f) other (specify) [ ] 16. What dietary measures do you take to avoid type II diabetes if any? a) Avoid fatty foods [ ] b) Avoid alcohol [ ] c) Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables [ ] 17. Do you think obesity can lead to diabetes? Yes [ ] No [ ] 18. Is the disease curable? Yes [ ] No [ ] Read More