KNOWLEDGE AND SELECTED RISK FACTORS OF DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG ROAD TRANSPORT WORKERS IN LAGOS

Diabetes mellitus is great concern to the global health as it contributes significantly to
morbidity and mortality rate worldwide. Awareness and adequate knowledge of the risk
factors of the disease is crucial to enhance early detection and proper health intervention.
Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge and associated risk
factors of diabetes mellitus among road transport workers in Lagos state. The descriptive
survey research method was adopted in carrying out the study. The population of the study
comprised all registered transport workers in Lagos state. Three hundred and fifty
respondents were selected randomly from six motor parks in Lagos state. A validated
Diabetes Mellitus Risk Factors Questionnaire with reliability index of 0.89 was used to
assess knowledge and risk factors of diabetes mellitus among the selected road transport
workers. The respondents were made to fill the consent form after detailed explanation of
the study were provided by the researcher. The results of this study showed that majority
(62%) of the road transport workers are aware of diabetes mellitus. Selected risk factors
of alcohol intake, sedentary lifestyle and tobacco smoking are significantly high among
the road transport workers which could predispose them to diabetes mellitus. Based on
the findings of this study, there is need for appropriately designed diabetes education
intervention which will promote healthy lifestyle practices among the road transport
workers.