Food insecurity and its impact on glycaemic control in diabetic patients attending Jabulani Dumani community health centre, Gauteng province, South Africa.

Kayumba B.A Nsimbo,Neetha Erumeda,Deidre Pretorius

doi:10.4102/phcfm.v13i1.2906

Kayumba B.A Nsimbo, Neetha Erumeda + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v13i1.2906

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundTo the best of our knowledge no studies have been conducted to assess the relationship between food insecurity and poor glycaemic control in diabetic patients in peri-urban settings of the South African context.AimThe study aimed to assess food insecurity and its relationships with glycaemic control and other patient characteristics amongst diabetic patients attending Jabulani Dumani Community Health Centre.SettingThe study was conducted in a primary healthcare facility in the south sub-district of Ekurhuleni health district, the Gauteng province, South Africa.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 250 patients. Data were collected by using an interview-administered Household Food Insecurity Access Scale questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses by using Stata 14.0 statistical software were performed. Chi square and logistic regression tests assessed the association between socio-demographic characteristics, glycaemic control and food insecurity.ResultsAmongst 250 recruited participants, 82.4% were above 50 years, 64% women, 88.8% South African citizens and 42.4% had a household size of ≥ 5 people. Sixty-four percent and 69.9% were classified as having food insecurity and poor glycaemic control, respectively. On further analysis, food insecurity was associated with unemployment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51–5.75), being a South African citizen (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 0.66–3.86), household size of ≥ 5 people (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 0.98–3.19) and uncontrolled glycaemic level (AOR = 5.38; 95% CI: 2.91–9.96).ConclusionFood insecurity in diabetic patients constitutes a serious challenge for glycaemic control. It is critical for healthcare providers in primary care settings to ensure screening for early identification and management of food insecurity and take measures to prevent poor glycaemic control.

Highlights

IntroductionDiabetes mellitus constitutes a serious public health problem worldwide, including developing countries in Africa.[1] It accounts for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide and is the second leading cause of death in South Africa.[2,3,4] Based on the most recent report of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2015 there were 14.7 million diabetics in African countries, and South Africa accounted for 3.8 million cases, which represented 7% of its overall population.[5] In 2010, the prevalence of diabetes in the Republic of South Africa was estimated at 4.5% compared with 7% in 2015.6 These data show that the prevalence of diabetes has nearly doubled
Introduction and backgroundDiabetes mellitus constitutes a serious public health problem worldwide, including developing countries in Africa.[1]
Food insecurity was associated with unemployment, being a South African citizen (AOR = 1.60; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66–3.86), household size of ≥ 5 people (AOR = 1.77; 95% CI: 0.98–3.19) and uncontrolled glycaemic level (AOR = 5.38; 95% CI: 2.91–9.96)

Summary

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus constitutes a serious public health problem worldwide, including developing countries in Africa.[1] It accounts for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide and is the second leading cause of death in South Africa.[2,3,4] Based on the most recent report of the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), in 2015 there were 14.7 million diabetics in African countries, and South Africa accounted for 3.8 million cases, which represented 7% of its overall population.[5] In 2010, the prevalence of diabetes in the Republic of South Africa was estimated at 4.5% compared with 7% in 2015.6 These data show that the prevalence of diabetes has nearly doubled. To the best of our knowledge no studies have been conducted to assess the relationship between food insecurity and poor glycaemic control in diabetic patients in periurban settings of the South African context

Objectives

Results

Discussion

Conclusion