Indian Journal of Public Health Research & Development

It has been known that Nigella sativa has various pharmacological activities and one of it are as an antidiabetic effect. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness in different genders regarding Nigella sativa on blood glucose among the university students. This study designed as a cross-sectional study. The self-administered questionnaire was given to respondents which asked about sociodemographic factors, health concerns and awareness regarding Nigella sativa and blood glucose. Majority of the respondents were aware about Nigella sativa (63%) and also received diabetes education before this (67.8%). There was a significant difference between genders regarding the awareness of Nigella sativa (p-value<0.05). Meanwhile, there was no significant association between genders and the awareness of diabetes mellitus (p-value>0.05). Most of the respondents believed that Nigella sativa is a home remedy (60.3%) and can reduce the mortality and morbidity of chronic disease (73.8%). Moreover, only (30.5%) of the respondents knew that Nigella sativa works as an anti-diabetic. However, rate of understanding about diabetes mellitus is fair (51.1%) and they unable to record their blood sugar level for safe keeping (16.2%). In addition, most respondents believed that diabetes is a serious illness (84.7%) and majority thought that by controlling food intake would overcome diabetes (65.1%) rather than medication (18.2%) or exercise (16.7%). In conclusion, there is a need to increase the awareness regarding Nigella sativa through campaigns and mass media. This would help them to have better knowledge and benefits about Nigella sativa especially as an anti-diabetic supplement.