An abstract can be written as a paragraph, summarizing the main points of a research study. It can also be divided into the same sections as the research where the main points are summarized. For example, this abstract has 4 sections but it could also have been written as one paragraph. You are going to read a research paper later.
Read the abstract below and answer the questions that follow.
1 Diabetes mellitus is a major public health problem in the Sultanate of Oman. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and perception of diabetes in a sample of the Omani general population and the relationship between the knowledge, perception, and socio-demographic factors.
2The study was conducted in two semi-urban localities. A total of 563 adult residents were interviewed, using a specifically designed questionnaire. In addition to those asking for demographic information, the questionnaire contained questions on knowledge related to diabetes definition, symptoms, risk factors, complications and preventative measures, as well as risk perception for diabetes.
3 Knowledge of diabetes was suboptimal. The percentages of correct responses to questions on diabetes definition, classical symptoms, and complications were 46.5%, 57.0%, and 55.1%, respectively. Only 29.5%, 20.8% and 16.9% identified obesity, physical inactivity and a positive family history, respectively, as risk factors for diabetes. A higher level of education, a higher household income, and the presence of a family history of diabetes were found to be positively associated with more knowledge.
4 This study demonstrated that there is a lack of awareness of major risk factors for diabetes mellitus. The level of education is the most significant predictor of knowledge regarding risk factors, complications and the prevention of diabetes. Since the prevalence of diabetes has increased drastically in Oman over the last decade, public education and health promotion seem essential, along with other means to prevent and control this increasing health problem.
Note:The words in bold are assessed.See Unit 3 Vocabulary
The words in italics are in the glossary below.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) (n) - A chronic form of diabetes involving an insulin deficiency and characterized by an excess of sugar in the blood and urine, and by hunger, thirst, and gradual loss of weight.
Socio-demographic factors (n) - Socioeconomic characteristics of a population expressed statistically, such as age, sex, education level, income level, marital status, occupation, religion, birth rate, death rate, average size of a family, average age at marriage.
Suboptimal (adj) - Not as good as possible, not quite optimal.
Demonstrate (v) - To demonstrate a fact means to make it clear to people.
Health promotion (n) - Is the process of enabling people to improve their health through improving control of modifiable risk factors. Health promotion goes far beyond health care. It increases health awareness for the public and policymakers in all sectors and directs them to be aware of potential health consequences of personal choices.
Give each paragraph in the Abstract a heading which shows the type of information contained in each paragraph. Look ahead to the full paper in text 2.
P1: __________
P2: __________
P3: __________
P4: __________
The abstract only contains the main points of the research. What additional information do you think will be contained in the actual research paper?