Prevalence Of And Risk Factors For Diabetes Mellitus Among Adults In Dodoma Region, Tanzania

ABSTRACT 

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing at an alarming rate in most places of the world. Tanzania is among sub-Saharan African countries with many people currently living with diabetes mellitus. Despite of that, information about diabetes and its associated risk factors are still scarce. The main objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for diabetes mellitus in Dodoma Region. The study was cross sectional design. Stratified sampling technique, simple random sampling and Kish Selection Table were used to select participants for the study. A total of 840 people agreed and participated in the study. Overall prevalence of DM was found to be 86 (11.8%) with majority of them 61 out of 86 (70.9%) being unaware of their condition. Unit increase in WC, WHtR, systolic B. P, triglycerides, age and living in urban areas were associated with the risk of developing DM. The prevalence of MetS was found to be 22.4% and 32.2% by using NCEP ATP-III and IDF criteria, respectively. Obesity, reduced HDL cholesterol and impaired fasting plasma glucose were highly prevalent components of metabolic syndrome. The current findings indicate that, there is high prevalence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome in Dodoma Region. Without appropriate interventions, the region will likely see an increasing risk of other chronic diseases. This might result into double burden of diseases due to the existence of chronic malnutrition in the region However, the presence of modifiable risk factors and high proportion of undiagnosed diabetes indicates an opportunity for prevention. Therefore, investments in preventive measures, screening services and increasing health education are highly needed to reduce the future burden. vii TAB