Recognition of Diabetes in a Multi-ethnic Population: Results from a Nationally Representative Population-Based Study

Background The prevalence of diabetes is on the rise in developed countries. Yet discrepancies exist in reports regarding the level of knowledge of diabetes. This study evaluates the recognition of diabetes among residents in the Singapore population. Sociodemographic characteristics associated with the ability to correctly recognise diabetes were also examined. Methods This was a nationwide cross-sectional vignette-based study. Data were collected from 2895 residents aged 18 years and above through face-to-face interviews, of which 436 are persons with diabetes. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression were used in the analyses. Results In total, 82.7% (2418/2895) of respondents recognised diabetes correctly. In adjusted models, correct recognition was significantly higher among respondents aged 35-49 years (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.15 to 2.98; P= 0.01), 50-64 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19 to 3.56; P= 0.01), ethnic Malays (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.89; P= 0.04) (vs. Chinese) and persons with diagnosed diabetes (OR, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.38 to 5.08; P < 0.01). Being male (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.90; P < 0.01), ethnic Others (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.93; P < 0.01), and being unemployed (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.25 to 0.92; P= 0.03), were significantly associated with poor recognition of diabetes. Conclusion Overall public recognition of diabetes is high, but the significant gaps in knowledge in certain demographic groups are of concern. Public health interventions aimed at preventing and controlling diabetes should continue to target all members of the population with accurate and appropriate information. Ongoing efforts of diabetes awareness and educational programs need to be improved, particularly for young adults, males, and the unemployed.