Knowledge, Attitude, Practice (KAP) and Health Related Quality of Life of Priests with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Thailand

In recent years, diabetes has been a common metabolic disease with major public health concern with heavy economic burden as well1.The increase in prevalence of diabetes has led to an increase in prevalence of diabetic complications like retinopathy, stroke, hypertension, coronary diseases etc. that has ultimately affected healthcare costs as well as patients’ outcomes2. The prevalence of diabetes among Thai population has increased from 2.3% in 1991 to 6.9% in 2004 according to 2003-2004 health examination survey. There has also been a rising trend in the hospitalization rate among Thai diabetic patients due to acute or long-term diabetic complications3. According to WHO, 71% of all deaths in Thailand are because of non-communicable diseases, with cardiovascular diseases representing 21% and diabetes 6%4. In Thailand, about 93.6% of the population is Buddhists and about 291,116 Buddhist monks scattered throughout the country with about 37,075 Buddhist temples5. Monks have a very specific way of living maintaining strict discipline being devoted to spiritual development. In central Bangkok, about 35% of Buddhist monks have health risks and problems. Particularly because of their