Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a life long duration and generally of gradual progression. Beside the upward trend in the prevalence rate, diabetes and its complications also have a significant economic impact on countries and their health systems. This study was aimed to assess the prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its association with socioeconomic status (SES) in the urban population of Kandahar city. A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to May 2019 in the urban area of Kandahar province. A total of 1308 subjects, 837 (64%) women and 471 (36%) men, were included in the study. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, dietary intake and physical activity were collected in a standardized questionnaire. Diagnosis of diabetes was established according to the WHO criteria. Mean age (SD) was significantly higher in men than in women (50.3 (14.4) vs. 44.9 (11.4) years). The difference in BMI was not significant between men and women (28.1 vs. 28.7 kg/m2). Majority of the study population was aged 40-54 years (46.3%), married (86.7%), illiterate (87.4%), and obese (39%). 6.6% were tobacco smokers, higher in men (13.6%) than in women (2.6%). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and central obesity was 15.2%, 25.5%, 39%, and 67.1%, respectively. In this study population, it could be suggested that socioeconomic factors are associated with T2DM and socioeconomic status is worth further investigation nationwide to properly understand the role of SES.
Diabetes prevalence and socioeconomic status: a population based study showing increased prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in deprived areas
