Impact of prediabetes education program on Knowledge, attitude and practice among prediabetic population of south India

Education plays a vital role not only in the management of diabetes but also for the effective prevention of diabetes and its complications. Prediabetes awareness and knowledge is grossly inadequate in India and massive prediabetic screening and management programs are urgently needed. This study was an initiative to conduct education program among the prediabetic subjects after assessment of their knowledge attitude and practice using a newly developed and validated prediabetes questionnaire. A total of 308 prediabetic participants were recruited through prediabetes screening camps conducted in the selected districts of Kerala and Tamilnadu. A newly developed and validated KAP-PAQ Questionnaire was used to analyze the Knowledge Attitude and Practice among the prediabetic population. The impact of Prediabetes Education Program was assessed by administration of questionnaire before and after PEP with an interval period of 30 days. Baseline assessment of knowledge among prediabetics shown that 90% had poor knowledge but after PEP program 43% had average knowledge and 44% could score good knowledge. Baseline assessment of attitude exhibited 30% with negative attitude but after counseling 68% shown positive attitude. Regarding practice assessment 35% had very poor and 52% shown poor practice but after PEP 71% shown good practice and 15% shown very good practice. Baseline KAP survey shows the need for health literacy among the newly diagnosed prediabetics. Prediabetes education program could bring significant improvement in knowledge attitude and practice and KAP-PAQ was found to be an efficient tool to conduct survey among the newly diagnosed prediabetics of south India.