Assessing the Prevalence and Predictors of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Rural Dwellers in Akamkpa/Biase Federal Constituency of Cross River, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) continues to be a public health concern globally. DM data from the rural settings in Cross River State are scanty. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of DM and assess the predictors and factors enhancing the increased prevalence among rural dwellers in Cross River State of Nigeria.

Methodology: This study was a community-based cross-sectional study, comprising male and female adults aged 18 and 75 years, over a period of four months. Appropriate anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected from willing recruited participants, and fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) values were obtained after obtaining informed consent and ethical approval. Confidentiality was maintained throughout the study period, and data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS SPSS software.

Results: A total of 369 respondents participated in this study and were made up of 136(36.8%) males and 233(63.2%) females. The mean age(years) of respondents was 45±10.3. Using the ADA diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus and prediabetes, a prevalence of 6.8% and 12% respectively. The prevalence of DM obtained was higher in males (11.8%) than in females (3.8%) (p<0.05). Increased prevalence of DM was seen in those whose BMI was high (p<0.005). About 60% of the people found to be diabetic were not aware of their diabetic condition. Top predictors of the occurrence of DM among the participants were positive family history of DM (OR=3.99, CI=0.50-0.67,p<0.001), increasing age (OR=3.89; CI=0.73-9.21,p<0.001), increasing BMI/obesity (OR=3.87; CI=0.66-9.25,p<0.001), and family history of hypertension (OR=3.86; CI=0.45-7.89, p<0.001).

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of DM in rural settings that tends to match urban prevalence, and many affected people are unaware of their situation. This calls for public health attention in this regard.