Abstract

Prevalence of controlled and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus and associated factors of controlled diabetes among diabetic adults in the hohoe municipality of Ghana

Author(s): Fiagbe J, Bosoka S, Opong J, Takramah W, Axame WK, Owusu R, Parbey PA, Adjuik M, Tarkang E & Kweku M*

Background: When diabetes is uncontrolled, it has dire consequences on the health and well-being. Diabetes of all types can lead to numerous long-term complications in many parts of the body and can increase the overall risk of dying prematurely. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional survey that involved adults aged 18 years and above with diabetes and were attending the diabetic clinic at the Hohoe Municipal hospital in May and June 2017. Pre-tested semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Blood Pressure, Blood glucose level and information on the last visit to the clinic were extracted from the diabetes card. Means were compared using t-test. Chi-square was used to determine the associations between type 2 diabetes and socio-demographic characteristics. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the strength of the associations between type 2 diabetes and some lifestyle risk factors. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of controlled type 2 diabetes was 13.6%, and 86.4% of diabetics could not control their blood glucose level. There was a significant association between age, occupation, hypertension status, defaulter rate and control of diabetes (χ2=6.65, p=0.038), (χ2=12.43, p=0.014), (χ2=4.07, p=0.044) and (χ2=3.98, p=0.046) respectively. Of the 63 respondents who defaulted, only 6.3% were able to control their blood glucose level as compared to 16.6% of the 131 respondents who did not default (p=0.032). Respondents who were civil servants were 84% times less likely to have their blood glucose controlled as compared to those who were unemployed (AOR=0.16, p=0.031). Respondents with high socioeconomic status were 5.55 times more likely to have their blood glucose controlled as compared to those with low socioeconomic status (AOR=5.55, p=0.010). Conclusion: Only fourteen out of 100 adults with diabetes were able to control their blood glucose level. Civil servants and defaulters were less likely to control their blood glucose level. Diabetics with high socioeconomic status were more likely to control their blood glucose level. Health workers at the diabetic clinic should intensify education and counselling of diabetics. Intensified public education on diabetes and its management should be provided by nutrition and health promotion officers in the Hohoe Municipality.