Abstract

Roland Wonder Atinyi, Wisdom Takramah, Wisdom Kudzo Axame, Richard Owusu, Phyllis Atta Parbey, Mohammed Takase, Elvis Tarkang,* Martin Adjuik and Margaret Kweku

ABSTRACT

Type 2 Diabetes mellitus is a major cause of mortality globally with increasing prevalence annually. This study determined the prevalence of DM2 and assessed knowledge of the disease among adults in the Keta Municipality. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study which involved 264 adults 18 years and above was used. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect information through face-to-face interviews. Measurement of anthropometric indices and finger-prick blood samples collection for the determination of blood glucose level were done using standard methods. Results: Prevalence of diabetes including those on treatment was 6.4%. However, at the time of the survey, the prevalence was 3.4% and Pre-diabetes was 0.8%. Undiagnosed diabetes was 2.4% whilst the majority (72.7%) of respondents who were diabetic had their diabetes under control. Obesity and marital status were risk factors found to be associated with diabetes. In all, high, moderate and low knowledge of participants was 18.2% 36.4% and 45.4% respectively. Participants’ high knowledge on causes, complications and prevention of diabetes was 17.8%, 28.4% and 33.3% respectively. There was a weak positive but significant correlation between age, BMI and knowledge on diabetes (r=1.13, p=0.032, ?=0.05) (r=1.17, p=0.005, ?=0.05) and (r=1.15, p=0.014, ?=0.05) respectively. Conclusion: Prevalence of diabetes, pre-diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes were relatively low compared to other studies. Adults with diabetes were able to control their blood glucose level. The overall knowledge on causes, complications and prevention of diabetes was low. There is the need for further studies involving larger sample size to determine the prevalence of diabetes among rural and urban adults and also establish associations between risk factors and diabetes in the Keta Municipality.