Associated Factors and Knowledge of Type 2 Diabetes among Non-Medical University Students in Southern Iraq

Background: Lifestyle changes and low knowledge contribute to the growing prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Thus, this study aims to ascertain diabetes-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), as well as knowledge-related factors, among non-medical university students in Iraq. Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that applied a validated, structured Arabic questionnaire. A multistage sample of 378 university students (mean age is 24.7±6.9 years) was recruited and interviewed. Data were inputted into SPSS version 25 for descriptive, inferential, and stepwise multiple regression analyses, with p-values less than or equal to 0.05. Results: The study indicated moderate knowledge (54.1%), with significant gaps in the management of diabetes. Only 24.9% reported that T2D was incurable. Attitudes were generally positive (75.9%), but 42.9% underestimated the severity of T2D. Practices were suboptimal (66.8%), with only 45.5% checking their blood glucose and 27.5% reporting physical inactivity. Higher KAP scores were linked to older age, male gender, marital status, family history of T2D, attendance at diabetes workshops, higher education, and reliance on medical staff information, explaining 24.5%, 12.0%, and 22.2% of the total variance in KAP scores, respectively. Conclusion: The research emphasizes a significant disparity among Iraqi students, who demonstrated positive attitudes toward diabetes but show weaknesses in their understanding as well as health practices. The findings suggest an urgent need for structured educational initiatives, such as integrating diabetes topics into university curricula.

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