Prevalence of risk factors for diabetes mellitus in a non-diabetic population in Jos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is assuming epidemic proportions worldwide, but probably more so in the developing world. Identification of risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus is a necessary step in planning prevention programmes for diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of risk factors for type 2 DM among inhabitants of Jos, a northern city on the Nigerian Plateau.

Method: A district in central Jos was randomly picked. Census of the district was carried out to record the names of all eligible residents from 250 households selected systematically. A questionnaire was administered by trained interviewers. Socio-demographic data, family history of diabetes, and data on work related physical activity were recorded. Height, weight and waist and hip circumferences were also measured. BMI (kg/m2) and waist-hip ration were calculated

Results: Of 902 subjects (≥ 15years of age), 825 (91.5%) responded. The mean (SD) age of 400 males and 422 females were respectively 36.4 (15.2) and 39.9 (17.3) years. About 50% of the respondents were inactive. 435 (52.7%) were currently taking alcohol. Twenty nine (3.5%) of the subjects admitted to parental history of DM. 177 (21.4%) were either overweight or obese. 32% of males and 86% of females had abnormal waist circumferences (WCE). 96 (23.8%) males and 316 (74.9%) females had abnormal WHR. BMI correlated strongly and significantly with WHR (r = 0.64, p <0.001) and WCE (r = 0.72, p< 0.001)

Conclusion: Inactivity, alcohol usage and excess weight appear to be dominant risk factors for development of type 2 DM in this group of upland Nigerians.


Nigerian Journal of Medicine Vol. 17 (1) 2008 pp. 71-74