Prevalence, Risk Factors and Management of Type 2 Diabetes, and its Predictors among Patients Using Multinomial Logistic Modeling Approach: Case of a Semi-Urban Cameroonian

Background: Diabetes is a health problem worldwide. The prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing for the past three decades. Diabetes prevalence is growing most rapidly particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Areas undergoing rapid westernization and rapid nutrition transition are seeing the greatest increase in prevalence suggesting that environmental factors are important. Diabetes is known to have no cure but can be managed through diet and modification of lifestyles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and the predictors of diabetes and its management in Kumba District Hospital (KDH).

Study Design: A retrospective, and a cross sectional survey was done where semi structured questionnaires were administered to subjects.

Methodology: Information from the hospital record for the past four years was used to evaluate the trend in the prevalence of diabetes. Information from questionnaires was used to assess the prevalence and management of the disease. Fasting plasma glucose was measured to know their diabetic status.

Results: The results revealed an increasing trend in the prevalence but the increase was not statistically significant. The results showed that, there was an association between diabetes prevalence and management. The overall prevalence of diabetes from the study was evaluated at 43.98%. Age, level of education, dietary habit and alcohol were found to influence the prevalence of diabetes significantly. Management with respect to therapeutic education, and monitoring of blood sugar were statistically significant. The significant predictive variables of the occurrence of diabetes base on Ordinary least squares were found to be age, level of education, therapeutic education, alcohol consumption, sex, and frequency of eating white rice.

Conclusion: The study revealed that, diabetes is highly prevalent among older persons and the less educated in KDH. Public health officials should educate the public on the risk factors of diabetes, and implement guidelines for adequate control and management.