Diabetes Mellitus Prevalence and Associated Factors in the Arba Minch Demographic and Health Surveillance System Sites, Southern Ethiopia
Alelign D, Kidanewold A, Dubale A, Alemu M and Getie A
Published on: 2023-06-18
Abstract
Background
Diabetes mellitus is becoming an epidemic global public health problem and its burden is rising, particularly among adults living in developing countries. However, there is a scarcity of data at the community level, particularly in the study area, while determining the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and associated factors is quite essential.
Method
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 496 adult study participants in the nine kebeles at Arba Minch Demographic and Health Surveillance System (AM-DHSS) sites from March 1st to May 30th, 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Socio-demographic, clinical, and behavioural characteristics of study participants were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire administered by face-to-face interview. The fasting blood glucose was measured using capillary blood by finger puncture. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done using SPSS version 25. A p-value of <0.05 was considered as statistically significant at a 95% confidence level.
Result
The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 6.5% (32/496). About 81.3% of the participants had no awareness of their diabetes mellitus status. Age group greater than 35 years old [AOR = 3.20, 95% (CI: 1.12, 9.18)], average monthly income (600-1500 Ethiopian birr) [AOR = 6.52, 95% CI: (1.64, 25.75)], mild physical activity [AOR = 5.27, 95% CI: (1.41, 19.72)], positive family history of diabetes mellitus [AOR = 5.33, 95% CI: (1.87, 15.19)], and systolic prehypertension [AOR = 8.05, 95% CI: (2.93, 22.15)] were found to be significantly associated with diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion
The study found a significant number of diabetic cases, and the prevalence of newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus was high in the study area. Therefore, concentrating care and early screening at the community level is crucial to mitigate the prevalence and its consequences.