PREVALENCE OF UNDIAGNOSED DIABETES MELLITUS IN UYO, NIGERIA

Authors

  • John Ebong Institute of Health Research and Development; College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo; and Health Compass Initiative Author
  • Victory Okirie College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo and Health Compass Initiative Author
  • Emmanuel Udoma College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo and Health Compass Initiative Author
  • Udeme-Abasi Nelson College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo and Health Compass Initiative Author
  • Emmanuel Otihi College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo and Health Compass Initiative Author
  • Henry Eziefule College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo and Health Compass Initiative Author
  • Peter Itanka College of Health Sciences, University of Uyo and Health Compass Initiative Author
  • Christie Akwaowo Institute of Health Research and Development, University of Uyo/Teaching Hospital Author

Abstract

Introduction: Diabetes prevalence rate is increasing in Nigeria. Paucity of screening services leads to reduced diagnoses among people living with diabetes, making them not access care and have worse outcomes. Prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in Nigeria has not been well studied. Hence, this study aims to assess the prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes among residents of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.

 

Research Design and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among adults (≥ 18 years) at Akpan Andem market, Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The World Health Organization (WHO) stepwise approach for non-communicable diseases surveillance and the Type 2 Finnish Diabetes Risk Assessment Form were adapted to develop a structured questionnaire. This structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Anthropometric data, blood pressure and blood glucose were measured for 281 respondents. Data collected were analyzed using SPSS, version 26.

 

Results: Of the 281 respondents, 78.3% were females while 21.7% were males. 95.4% had no health insurance while 11.4% and 24.6% had a family history of diabetes and hypertension respectively. 52% had never checked their blood sugar levels before. The prevalence of diabetes was 4.6%, out of those, 46.2% were undiagnosed. P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

 

Conclusions: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes in Uyo. It also revealed poor knowledge of diabetes and the lack of access to screening services among residents of Uyo. This underscores the need for enhanced awareness and routine testing for diabetes to be integrated into the health service delivery from Primary care level and systematic screening campaigns for diabetes.

 

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Published

2025-02-20

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2024)

Section

Articles