Prediabetes Risk Assessment among Nurses Recruited in a Dubai Local Government Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Nurses constitute half of the health workforce; their health could be at risk for chronic diseases, such as prediabetes and diabetes, as well as other occupational hazards, such as nurses’ stress. Health promotion, possibly workplace based, presents opportunities to safeguard the health of nurses. Using a prediabetes risk assessment tool for screening the nurses is important to ensure that they remain physically and mentally fit to perform their work and to comply with various health and safety regulations. Objective: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and its risk among nurses in Dubai Hospital and to study risk factors associated with prediabetes status. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Dubai Hospital-Dubai Health Authority. A convenience sample was selected including 674 nurses estimated using OpenEpi software. Data was collected using a standardized diabetes risk assessment tool (The Finnish Diabetes Risk Score [FINDRISC]). Inclusion criteria were staff nurses working in Dubai Hospital in the age group from 25 to 64 years and nondiabetic staff in Dubai Hospital; an operational definition of prediabetes was used. The data were coded, and data entry and data analysis were made using SPSS 20 software version. The data were tested at a level of significance of 95%. Results: The study revealed that 42.7% of the participants had a low prediabetes risk, 38.4% had a slightly elevated prediabetes risk, 10.8% had a moderate prediabetes risk, 7.6% had a high prediabetes risk, and 0.5% had a very high prediabetes risk. Age, body mass index, waist circumference, history of antihypertensive drug treatment, history of high blood glucose, family history of diabetes, daily consumption of fruits, berries, or vegetables, and daily physical activity had a significant relationship with the prediabetes test (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Frequent testing is recommended to follow the risk score. Since we cannot control unmodifiable factors, such as age and family history, we can control modifiable factors, such as having a healthy lifestyle with healthy food and exercise to decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Health promotion and education can decrease the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.