Lifestyle, Demographic and Clinical Correlates of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Urban and Rural Adults: A...

BackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing rapidly in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by urbanisation, demographic ageing, and lifestyle changes. Community-level evidence comparing determinants across urban and rural settings in Ghana's Central Region remains limited.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 768 adults selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a WHO STEPS-adapted questionnaire alongside standardised anthropometric and biochemical measurements. T2DM was defined as fasting blood glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent correlates of T2DM.ResultsT2DM prevalence was 9.1%. After adjustment, increasing age (aOR = 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), overweight status (aOR = 2.38, 95% CI: 1.14-4.94), smoking (aOR = 3.27, 95% CI: 1.39-7.69), and family history of diabetes (aOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.18-4.26) were independently associated with T2DM. In urban residents, age and physical inactivity were key correlates, while overweight, smoking, and family history predominated in rural residents. A substantial proportion of cases identified biochemically had no prior diagnosis, indicating a considerable burden of undetected T2DM in the study communities.ConclusionAge, overweight status, smoking, and family history are independent correlates of T2DM in the Central Region of Ghana, with context-specific differences across urban and rural settings. Targeted community screening, weight management, smoking cessation, and physical activity promotion are priorities for diabetes prevention in this population.