Evaluation of diabetic peer support in Malawi

ABSTRACT

Introduction:Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has become a disease of public health importance in Nigeria. Early identification of DM risk is important in the reduction of this disease burden. This study assessed ten-year risk of developing type 2 DM among some medical doctors in Ondo State. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study that assessed ten-year risk of developing type 2 DM among some doctors using the Finland Diabetic Risk Score form. Known diabetics were excluded from the study. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure and total DM risk score were determined for each participant.Results: One hundred and ninety-two doctors participated in the study with a male female ratio of 1.31. Majority (92.2%) were below 55 years, 22 (11.5%) were obese, 32(16.7%) had central obesity, 46(24%) reported physical inactivity, 49(25.5%) had family history of DM, 141(73.4%) do not take fruits and vegetables regularly. Forty-three (22.4%) were found to have elevated blood pressure while 6(3.1%) had elevated blood glucose. Fifty-seven (29.7%) of the participants had increased ten-year DM risk. Significant predictors of increase DM risk were age ≥ 45 years (AOR9.08; CI 3.13-26.33; p = <0.001 ) ; BMI ≥25kg/m2(AOR11.41; CI4.14-31.45; p = <0.001) ; family history of DM (AOR9.93; CI3.25-30.39; p = <0.001) ; abdominal obesity (AOR6.66; CI2.08-21.29; p= < 0.001); and infrequent dietary intake of fruits and vegetable(AOR3.11;CI1.039.37 p = 0.04) Conclusion:There was increased 10-year DM risk in about 30% of the participants. Lifestyle modification such as physical activity and regular consumption of fruits and vegetables should be encouraged among doctors