Hubungan Tingkat Pengetahuan Masyarakat dengan Tindakan Pencegahan Diabetes Melitus di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Kartini

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a non-communicable disease with a continuously increasing prevalence and remains a major public health challenge. Limited community knowledge may contribute to inadequate preventive practices. To analyze the relationship between community knowledge and Diabetes Mellitus preventive practices in the working area of Kartini Primary Health Center, Pematangsiantar.This quantitative study employed a correlational design with a cross-sectional approach. A total of 97 respondents were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using the Pearson Chi-Square test at a 5% significance level.Most respondents had poor knowledge (73.2%) and poor preventive practices (72.2%). Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between community knowledge and Diabetes Mellitus preventive practices (?² = 42.611; p < 0.001). Community knowledge was significantly associated with Diabetes Mellitus preventive practices. Strengthening community-based health education is essential to improve knowledge and promote effective preventive behaviors