Abstract
The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus has been rapidly growing in developing countries, both in urban and rural contexts. Ethiopia has the largest diabetes population in sub-Saharan Africa (2.6 million adult people). At Wolisso Hospital, a collaboration is underway between Doctors with Africa CUAMM and the local Association of Diabetic Patients, with the aim of guaranteeing the correct monitoring and treatment of the disease.
Between December 2018 and May 2019, 244 diabetic patients were visited in a dedicated outpatient room in Wolisso Hospital; in 55 selected patients (type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, ≥ 2 visits in the 6 months, on insulin therapy), a further set of variables was measured, including: modality of insulin storage, monthly glycemic measurements, compliance with prescribed therapy, glycemic control, knowledge of glycemic target.
Based on their urban or rural provenience, patients were split in two groups (27 urban, 28 rural). The χ2-test was used to determine significance. P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. A statistically significant difference was reported for the following variables: availability of a fridge for insulin storage (51.9% urban vs 21.4% rural, p = 0.039), compliance with prescribed therapy (63.0% urban vs 35.7% rural, p = 0.043), prevalence of hypertension (55.6% urban vs 28.6% rural, p = 0.043), alcohol consumption (32.1% rural vs 11.1% urban, p = 0.018). 13/27 urban patients and 21/28 rural patients reported that they stored insulin in the sand. No substantial variation between the groups is observed for BMI, glycemic control, number of monthly glycemic measurements and knowledge of glycemic target.
The differences highlighted between type 2 diabetic patients from urban and rural districts of the area of Wolisso suggest that these populations probably have different features and risk factors; this consideration may be useful in the organization of specific public health interventions aimed at addressing the issue in the different settings.
Key messages
The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus has been rapidly growing in developing countries, both in urban and rural contexts. The differences highlighted between type 2 diabetic patients from urban and rural districts of the area of Wolisso suggest that these populations probably have different features and risk factors.
Evaluation of Counseling Practices and Patient’s Satisfaction Offered by Pharmacists for Diabetics Attending Outpatient Pharmacies in Al Ahsa