Level of Control of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases, its proper management is important for better prognosis. poor control is not uncommon and factors associated with uncontrolled state vary between communities. No previous published researches focused on estimating uncontrolled cases in Jeddah, nor exploring its associated factors. Objectives of the study: To estimate prevalence of uncontrolled type 2 diabetic cases and explore its associated factors in patients attending primary heal care centers, Jeddah, KSA. Subjects and methods: Through a cross section study, with nested case control design, 400 diabetic patients were selected randomly from primary health care centers in Jeddah. They responded to a predesigned valid questionnaire enclosing information about glycemic level, and demographic and clinical variables possibly associated with poor glycemic control. Chi square test and Odds ratio were used to identify factors significantly associated and predicting uncontrolled diabetes. Results: Out of all patients (n=400), more than one half (54%) aged 60 years or older, with marked dominance of females (65.5%). almost three quarters (72.5%) were considered as being “uncontrolled cases”. The most significant factors associated with poor glycemic control included being a female (OR=1.456, 95% CI: 1.065-2.706)), older patients as it reached up to 80.4% in patients aged 60-79 years, widowed (87.1%), obese patients (73.6%) and hypertensive patients (OR=3.126, 95% CI:1.867-5.233). Poor control was less frequentr in those who had positive history of hyperglycemic crisis (OR=0.578, 95% CI:0.497-0.673) and those who had positive family history of diabetes mellitus (OR=0.822, 95% CI:0.728-0.928) p<0.05. Conclusion and recommendations: Poor glycemic control is markedly prevalent among diabetic patients attending PHC in Jeddah. Associated factors included being female, old age, obesity, hypertension and positive family history of diabetes. Tailored care should be planned for diabetic patients with the predictors of poor glycemic explored in the current study.