Knowledge, attitude and practice on type 2 diabetes mellitus and perception on diabetes among students in Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah

Diabetes is a leading non-communicable disease, often developing with age. To prevent T2DM, young people should avoid unhealthy lifestyles. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and its association with perceptions of diabetes among students at Politeknik Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah (PSA). This study was a cross- sectional study with sample size of 147 PSA students (aged 18–29) using convenience sampling. Nutritional status and questionnaire of KAP on T2DM and Perception on Diabetes were used. Data from 121 respondents were analyzed using SPSS Version 29.0, with results presented as median (IQR) and analyzed using non-parametric tests. Most participants were male (56.2%), under 20 (60.3%), and overweight/obese (58.7%). The majority had moderate knowledge (47.9%) and attitude (47.1%) with median (IQR) scores of 20 (8) and 56 (16), respectively. A high level of practice was observed in 71.1% with a median of 7 (3). Females showed higher knowledge and attitude than males. Students had low perceived susceptibility to T2DM (median = 2). Significant associations included: attitude with perceived severity (ρ = 0.448, p < 0.001), knowledge with perceived benefit (ρ = 0.185, p = 0.042), and attitude with perceived benefit (ρ = 0.342, p < 0.001). Overall, most students showed good KAP on T2DM but had low perceived susceptibility despite risk factors like being overweight or obese, highlighting the need to improve risk awareness and weight management.