Unmasking the Risk Factors Associated with Undiagnosed Diabetes and Prediabetes in Ghana: Insights from
Thomas Hormenu1,2, Iddrisu Salifu2, Juliet Elikem Paku1,2
1Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, Faculty of Science Technology Education, College of Education Studies, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast 00233, Ghana.
Summary
Undiagnosed diabetes in Ghana is linked to BMI, blood pressure, and lipids. Factors like childhood obesity, inactivity, and socioeconomic status indirectly increase diabetes risk, informing public health strategies.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Endocrinology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Undiagnosed diabetes presents a significant public health challenge in Ghana.
- Understanding the complex factors influencing diabetes prevalence is crucial for effective intervention.
- This study aimed to evaluate fasting plasma glucose levels and associated risk factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana.
- To identify direct and indirect factors associated with diabetes and prediabetes using a generalized structural equation model (GSEM).
- To provide insights for public health interventions and personalized care strategies.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey of 1200 adults aged 25-70 years in Ghana.
- Diabetes diagnosed using American Diabetes Association (ADA) criteria for fasting plasma glucose (FPG).
- Data collected on sociodemographic, lifestyle variables, and lipid profiles; analyzed using GSEM.
Main Results:
- Prediabetes prevalence was 14.2% and diabetes was 3.84%. Females had higher rates than males; rural areas had the highest prevalence.
- Direct predictors of diabetes/prediabetes included BMI, triglycerides (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and female sex.
- Indirect factors included childhood overweight, family history, age, socioeconomic status, waist circumference (WC), physical activity, and alcohol consumption.
Conclusions:
- Diabetes is directly influenced by blood lipid levels, BMI, SBP, and alcohol.
- Childhood obesity, physical inactivity, sex, socioeconomic status, and family history indirectly impact diabetes development.
- Findings support targeted public health interventions for diabetes prevention and management in Ghana.
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