Prevalence and risk factors associated with diabetes in Meru County, Kenya: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Diabetes has emerged as a leading global health problem associated with severe morbidity, mortality, and health-system costs. This is attributed to population growth, aging, urbanization, physical inactivity, and obesity. The increased prevalence of diabetes particularly in rural settings creates a public health challenge for prevention and treatment. However, there is currently a dearth of data supporting planning and implementation of programs for prevention and management of diabetes in rural communities. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and its associated risk factors among a rural population in Meru County, Kenya. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Imenti South, rural areas in Meru County between September and November 2019. Data from 435 respondents comprising 263 (60.5%) females and 172 (39.5%) males were analyzed. Prevalence ratios were calculated using Poisson regression models with robust variance to explore factors associated with the prevalence of diabetes. The prevalence of diabetes was higher among women (16.35%, 95% CI: 12.3–21.4) compared to that among men (13.95%, 95% CI: 9.5–20) and significantly increases with advancing age, BMI, previous diagnosis of hypertension, and high cholesterol. Our findings showed an overall diabetes prevalence of 15.4% (95% CI: 12.3–19.1) in the study area. Age, hypertension, BMI, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco use were significantly associated with a higher risk of diabetes. Preventive intervention strategies should aim to address the modifiable correlates so as to reduce the burden of diabetes in rural communities in Kenya.