Understanding the Impact of Literacy on Knowledge Gap and Behaviour Pattern among Diabetic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Diabetes mellitus is a growing health concern affecting more than 6.2% of the global population.This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the association of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of patients diagnosed with type II diabetes mellitus (DM II) with demographic and clinical variables in Punjab, India, focusing on education to understanding knowledge gap and behavioral pattern of patients influencing prevention and control of disease. Methods The study was conducted from March 2022 to September 2023 at three outpatient clinics in Punjab.Data were collected through a modified questionnaire, covering demographic profiles and KAP variablesusing non-probability purposive sampling of 500 respondents with SPSS software. Results The study analyzed 500 patients (197 females, 303 males) aged 31–90 years. Key findings revealed that knowledge scores were higher in males (33.7%), married individuals (32.3%), degree holders (60.0%), and insured patients (40.9%). Attitude scores were better in males (50.2%), degree holders (75.3%), and insured patients (57.9%). Practice scores were higher among females (25.9%), unmarried (43.3%), and insured patients (23.2%). Significant predictors of high KAP scores included education, patient history, blood sugar levels, clinic visits, marital status, occupation, health insurance, and physical activity. Education status had a substantial impact on all KAP scores. Conclusion This study highlights disparities in knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to DM II management among patients in North India. Addressing these disparities through targeted interventions, community-based programs, and improved healthcare accessibility is crucial for promoting positive outcomes in diabetes mellitus.