| dc.description.abstract | Background
Diabetes is one of the leading non-communicable diseases globally, particularly affecting low-
and middle-income countries. Among marginalized populations such as tea garden workers in
Sylhet, Bangladesh, limited healthcare access and education contribute to gaps in understanding
and managing diabetes. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)
related to diabetes in this vulnerable group.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2023 to March 2024 among 320 adult tea
garden workers in Sylhet. Participants were selected using cluster random sampling, and data
were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. Descriptive
statistics were used to summarize KAP levels among participants.
Results
The study found that 88.1% of participants had heard of diabetes, but only 5.3% were aware of
its types, and 65.6% did not know about treatment options. While 71.9% believed in the
importance of dietary changes for diabetes management, only 3.8% reported monitoring their
blood sugar regularly. Additionally, 40.3% believed diabetes could be prevented, while 57.2%
were unaware that children could also be affected by the condition.
Conclusion
Despite some positive attitudes, significant gaps in knowledge and practice remain among tea
garden workers in Sylhet. The findings highlight the need for targeted, community-based health
education programs and improved healthcare access to promote better diabetes prevention and
management in this underserved population. | en_US |
