ASSESSMENT OF NURSING STUDENTS’ KNOWLEDGE ON THE RISK FACTORS OF TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS IN A PRIVATE UNIVERSITY IN SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Abstract

This research assessed the knowledge level of Nursing students regarding the risk factors associated with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) in a private University in southwest Nigeria. Due to the fact that the prevalence of T2DM is reaching alarming rate globally, it becomes imperative for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, to have good knowledge of the risk factors contributing to the development of T2DM. This study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. The 200 to 500 levels nursing students from Achievers University, Owo were recruited for the study. Ethical clearance was obtained from the appropriate authority and a structured questionnaire was used collect data from 148 respondents. The result showed that 58(39%) respondents had a fair level of knowledge on the risk factors of T2DM. Furthermore, 96(65%) had high exposure to the risk factors of developing T2DM. This actually confirms the fair level of knowledge that was demonstrated by respondents. Therefore, it is recommended that nursing curricula should be improved such that there will be integration of interactive learning methods, interactions with diabetes specialists, and increase emphasis on emerging risk factors of T2DM.