Knowledge of behavioural risk factors for types 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in Arba Minch town, Gamo zone, 2022

BackgroundType 2 diabetes accounts for over 90% of all types of diabetes. It is caused by a combination of behavioral risk factors. Currently, it is a serious health problem, especially in reproductive-age women associated with reproductive disorders. To prevent it, knowledge is vital, but there is a scarcity of data on behavioral risk factors in Ethiopia. ObjectiveTo assess knowledge of the behavioral risks of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its associated factors among reproductive-age women in Gamo zone, Arba Minch town, 2022. Materials and MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was employed, and all women in the town were considered as the source population. A multistage sampling procedure with simple random sampling was adopted for the recruitment of kebeles. A systematic random selection procedure was also applied to the household with a 13th interval. A total of 623 samples were completed with an interview questionnaire. A bivariate logistic model was used to calculate the crude odds ratio, and multivariate analysis to control for confounding and identify the association for model fitting variables with AOR. ResultThe level of BRF knowledge among reproductive women is 47.0% [95% CI, 43.5-50.9], with the following factors having significant associations: average family income 3000-5000 Eth. Birr 1.81 [95% CI, 1.03-3.18], >= 5001 Eth. Birr 1.93 [95% CI, 1.02-3.68], DM in the friend or relatives 4.03[95% CI,1.56-10.46], Family history of DM 9.47 [95% CI, 4.74-18.90], source of information: health workers 1.87 [95% CI, 1.04-3.34] and friend or relatives 1.65 [95%CI,1.04-2.62]. ConclusionThe knowledge of behavioral risk factors for type 2 diabetes was poor among study participants. Family income, DM in the friend or relatives, family history of DM, and source of information were the associated factors with good knowledge. Health education about behavioral risk factors should be given emphasis broadly for women.