Adolescent self-awareness in preventing diabetes mellitus risk

Abstract

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus among adolescents is increasing each year in developing countries, including Indonesia. Unhealthy eating patterns, obesity, lack of physical activity, and smoking are risk factors contributing to the occurrence of diabetes mellitus in adolescents. The aim of this study is to assess adolescents' self-awareness regarding the prevention of diabetes mellitus risk. This research employs a quantitative method with a descriptive analytical design. The population of this study consists of adolescents aged 15-16 years at a State Senior High School in Palembang. A total of 64 respondents were selected through simple random sampling. Data collection utilized a self-awareness questionnaire developed by the researchers, comprising 15 questions covering the components of emotional self-awareness, accurate self-assessment, and self-confidence. The questionnaire underwent validity testing (0.361) and reliability testing (0.788). The results indicated that the minimum self-awareness score was 20, and the maximum was 41, with an average score of 29.72. These findings reveal that adolescents' self-awareness regarding the risk of diabetes mellitus remains low. Therefore, there is a need to enhance self-awareness among adolescents about the importance of diabetes mellitus risk prevention, considering the continually rising prevalence of diabetes among adolescents and the potential macrovascular and microvascular complications that may arise.