Diabetes prevalence and associated risk factors in a Northern Kerala community: A Multistage Sampling Approach

Abstract

Introduction

Diabetes is a significant metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels, leading to various

complications if not properly managed. Understanding these factors is crucial for early identification, effective

prevention, and management of diabetes within this community. Our study focused on the prevalence and risk

factors of diabetes in Puzhakkatiri, a village in Malappuram district, Kerala, aiming to provide insights into local

epidemiological patterns and targeted public health interventions.

Methodology

The community-based cross-sectional study included 582 participants (?18 years) selected via multistage

sampling from Puzhakkattiri Panchayath, Northern Kerala, India. Selected participants were invited to a camp

that was held at the Government school in collaboration with the panchayath office, where participants had their

BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) levels measured.

Sociodemographic data were collected through interviews, and the data were analyzed using SPSS software, with

a p-value of 0.05 or lower indicating statistical significance.

Results

The study, with participants having a mean age of 39.13 ± 12.56 years, found a diabetes prevalence of 30% and an

impaired glucose tolerance prevalence of 47.4%. Higher diabetes rates were observed among individuals over 40

years (37.2%), those divorced/widowed/separated (46.5%), those with lower education levels (40%), those in

unskilled occupations (34.4%), and those with overweight BMI (33%) or high waist-to-hip ratios (34.5%).

Significant associations (p-value<0.05) were found between diabetes prevalence and age (p=0.0001) , marital

status (p=0.001), education level (p=0.001), occupation (p=0.0001), family type (p=0.0003), BMI (p=0.029), and

waist-to-hip ratio (p=0.043).

Conclusion

Our study revealed a high prevalence of diabetes and IGT among participants, highlighting a significant burden of

impaired glucose regulation within the population. Key risk factors identified include age over 40, certain marital

statuses, lower education levels, unskilled occupations, specific family living arrangements, being overweight, and

having a high waist-to-hip ratio.