Date of Award

5-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nutrition Science

Department

Health Science and Human Ecology

First Reader/Committee Chair

Tolar-Peterson,Terezie

Abstract

Background and Aims: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has been increasing globally. Studies examining patient awareness and attitudes toward diabetes have been conducted and found that diabetes education does increase patient knowledge but has no effect on attitudes. Additionally, many of these studies did not assess university students’ views on type 2 diabetes. Given that type 2 diabetes incidence is increasing among young adults, more attention must be given to this population. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate CSUSB students' understanding and attitudes toward type 2 diabetes.

Methods: A cross-sectional study using electronic surveys with validated questions adjusted for university students was spread via email and an electronic flyer. Participants were asked about their awareness and attitudes regarding type 2 diabetes; results were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions Version 28.

Results: Participants (n=110) include: 39 (35.5%) full-time students, 81 (73.6%) women, age 18- 24 years, 30 (27.3%) white, 24, (21.8%) Asian, 41 (37.3%) other. A weak, negative relationship was found between knowledge about Diabetes Mellitus (DM) with the causes of the disease (r = -0.026, p= 0.819), complications from the disease (r = -0.056, p = 0.612), and being Undergraduate/Graduate and Full/Part-time students (r = -0.050, p = 0.612). There was a weak, positive relationship between knowledge and symptoms of the disease (r = 0.102, p = 0.358); and Cronbach’s Alpha is at 0.558.

Conclusion: Understanding type 2 diabetes knowledge and attitudes in college students will help dietitians, physicians, and public health practitioners develop targeted interventions to help reduce incidence.

Download

Share

COinS