Exploring The Prevalence And Risk Factors Of Diabetes Mellitus Among Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes is a growing concern among young adults, including nursing students, due to stress, poor lifestyle, and irregular routines. Despite their medical knowledge, they remain at risk. Early detection and prevention are crucial, as these students will become future healthcare providers and role models for healthy living.

Aim: To explore the prevalence and identify the associated risk factors of diabetes mellitus among nursing students, with the goal of promoting early detection, raising awareness, and guiding preventive health strategies within this future healthcare workforce.

Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study at SGT University aims to assess the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among 202 nursing students. By collecting data at a single point in time using structured tools, the study identifies potential risk factors such as BMI and waist circumference. This approach ensures accurate, reliable results and supports early detection and prevention strategies for diabetes within this at-risk population of future healthcare professionals.

Result: Most participants (69.3%) were aged 19–20 years, and the majority were female (65.8%). A high percentage (94%) were enrolled in the B.Sc. Nursing 2nd year program, and 82.6% lived at home. Notably, 82.6% reported having previous knowledge about diabetes.The mean Body Mass Index (BMI) was 22.73, suggesting a generally healthy weight range. However, 21.8% of students were overweight, and 7.8% were underweight, indicating potential health risks on both ends of the spectrum. Waist circumference analysis showed that 35.5% of students were at risk and 19.7% were at high risk of developing diabetes-related complications. Significant associations between BMI and variables such as age (p=0.036), gender (p=0.017), and previous diabetes knowledge (p=0.014). Likewise, waist circumference was significantly associated with age (p=0.029), gender (p=0.013), and previous knowledge (p=0.036).

Conclusion: Most nursing students had a healthy BMI, a notable proportion were either overweight or underweight, posing potential health risks. Additionally, more than half had waist circumferences placing them in at-risk or high-risk categories for diabetes. Significant associations were observed between BMI and waist circumference with age, gender, and prior knowledge of diabetes. These findings emphasize the importance of early screening, awareness, and lifestyle interventions among nursing students, who are both vulnerable to diabetes and future healthcare providers responsible for promoting healthy behaviours within the broader population. Preventive action within this group is crucial.