Modified risk calculator for the Pakistani population based on perceived versus actual risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop the modified risk calculator for the Pakistani population based on differences in perceived versus actual risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2-DM). Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study design was developed to assess the study sample of 296 individuals from the Pakistani population. The data was collected using a questionnaire divided into three parts: general health, the validated Risk Perception Survey for Developing Diabetes (RPS-DD) and actual T2-DM risk assessment. Findings: The study findings showed that among the total participants, 70.27% reported a low perceived risk of developing T2-DM, whereas 29.72% reported a high perceived risk when considering their family history. Regarding actual risk, males showed a 59% higher likelihood of developing T2-DM than females, who have a 50% higher risk. The modified calculator includes physical activity, fatty food consumption, age 34–65 and over 65, depression and artificially sweetened beverages. Research limitations/implications: This study experienced limited representativeness; many participants provided incomplete nutritional and knowledge information. It involved 296 individuals, mostly from one province and a few from other provinces of Pakistan. Therefore, the results can be generalized to the whole Pakistani population. Practical implications: This study underscores the need for targeted interventions to enhance risk perception, inform preventive strategies and further investigate the interplay between perceived and actual risks in T2-DM in Pakistan. Social implications: The outcomes of this study can help Pakistani individuals who perceive themselves at an elevated risk of developing T2-DM. There is a general awareness among the Pakistani population regarding T2-DM. In contrast to perceived risk, the data on actual risk reveals a significant disconnect. Originality/value: In Pakistan, there is a lack of research on perceived versus actual risk factors for developing T2-DM. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the actual risk factors of developing T2-DM based on culture and dietary diversity in Pakistan.

Keywords: Actual risk factors, Pakistani population, Perceived risk factors, Type 2 diabetes