Risk Perceptions of Acquiring Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among College Students

Abstract

The rapidly increasing number of Type II diabetes mellitus cases among adolescents highlights the need to understand the risk perceptions of adolescents towards this disease. Our study addresses this need by examining students’ risk perceptions of acquiring Type II diabetes mellitus. Upon unpacking the conceptualization of students’ risk perceptions and reviewing the relevant literature, we develop and test empirically a comprehensive model incorporating personal, public, and environmental risk factors influencing students’ risk perceptions of acquiring Type II diabetes mellitus. Our findings support the significant impact of these factors.