Prevalence and Factors Associated with Diabetes among Bangladeshi Adults: An Analysis of Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18

Abstract

BackgroundThe burden of diabetes is increasing in most developing countries, including Bangladesh. However, there is no recent research into the prevalence and factors associated with this condition in this country. This study intended to fill this gap. MethodsThis cross-sectional study analyzed Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017–18 data. After crude and age-adjusted prevalence estimation, multilevel logistic regression analyses were employed. ResultsAmong 12,298 participants (mean age: 40 years, 57% females), the crude and age-adjusted prevalence of diabetes was 9.9% and 9.7%, respectively. The crude prevalence was 9.5% among females and 10.5% among males. The age-adjusted prevalence was 9.8% among females and 9.5% among males. The adjusted odds (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval) of diabetes was higher among 30–39 (2.1, 1.7–2.6), 40–49 (3.3, 2.7–4.1), 50–59 (4.9, 3.9–6.2), 60–69 (5.1, 4.0–6.5), and ≥70-year-olds (5.0, 3.7–6.6) than 18–29-year-olds; 25–29.9 (1.6, 1.4–1.9) and 30 (1.9, 1.5–2.5) kg/m2 body mass index (BMI) than those with BMI <25 kg/m2; primary or above (1.2, 1.0–1.5) education level than those without formal education; middle (1.3, 1.0–1.7), richer (1.7, 1.3,2.2), or richest (2.6, 2.0–3.3) wealth quintiles than those with poorest wealth quintile. Division of residence was also significantly associated. ConclusionThis study found that people with older age, overweight/obesity, higher socioeconomic status, and residence in some administrative divisions had higher prevalence and odds of diabetes. To reduce the prevalence of diabetes in Bangladesh, future efforts should aim to address these factors with adequate prevention and control programs.