Uchenna Cosmas Ugwu, Lawretta Eyuche Ozoemena, Vivian Akah Pauluyonwu
The prevalence of DM was notably high, particularly among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. While DM knowledge was generally good, attitudes and practices varied. The significant association between DM knowledge and certain demographic factors underscores the need for targeted health interventions and gender-responsive DM education programs.
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses significant threats to overall health, contributing to increased morbidity and mortality. This study investigated DM prevalence, knowledge, attitude, and practice (PKAP) among premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women accessing obstetric and gynecological care services in Nigerian hospitals, and explored associations with demographic variables.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A hospital-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted between August 2024 and January 2025 using a multistage sampling technique. A total of 1620 women were recruited. Data were collected using an adapted Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Questionnaire, which demonstrated 0.81 reliability index. Data analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 22, with statistical significance set at P ≤ 0.05.
RESULTS: Of the 1620 women recruited (aged 40-65 years), 1538 (94.9%) provided valid responses, whereas 82 (5.1%) withdrew voluntarily. Among respondents, 586 (38.1%) were premenopausal, 316 (20.5%) perimenopausal, and 636 (41.4%) postmenopausal. DM prevalence was 21.3%, 64.2%, and 65.3% among premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women, respectively. Good DM knowledge was observed in 62.8%, 69.3%, and 68.9% of premenopausal, perimenopausal, and postmenopausal women, respectively. Attitudes and practices toward DM varied across groups. Statistically, significant association was found between DM knowledge and employment (P = 0.022), whereas none existed on education (P = 0.701), alcohol intake (P = 0.901), or marital status (P = 0.501).
CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DM was notably high, particularly among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. While DM knowledge was generally good, attitudes and practices varied. The significant association between DM knowledge and certain demographic factors underscores the need for targeted health interventions and gender-responsive DM education programs.