A Cross-Sectional Survey of Teachers’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in School Communities in Kenya

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood and adolescent obesity are rising globally, increasing the risk for type 2 diabetes and its debilitating effects, which disproportionately impact sub-Saharan Africa. The objective of this study was to evaluate teachers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding obesity and type 2 diabetes. Methods: An online survey involving 548 teachers was conducted from 1st January to 10th March 2025, to assess their knowledge, attitudes, and practices in the prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes in schools. Data were organised in Excel and imported into IBM SPSS (Version 27). A binary logistic regression was used to identify predictors of teachers’ adequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices in obesity and type 2 diabetes prevention. Results: Sampled teachers’ knowledge median score of obesity and type 2 diabetes was 8.6 out of 11, whereas the attitude median score was 5.1 out of 7. Teachers’ involvement in school-based practices for the prevention of obesity and type 2 diabetes was significant (p<0.001). Conclusions: Teachers demonstrated a moderate level of knowledge of and attitude towards obesity and type 2 diabetes prevention. This study, therefore, recommends structured, ongoing training to equip teachers with practical skills, addressing knowledge gaps to improve their role in preventing obesity and type 2 diabetes in school communities in Kenya.