Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus in a Rural, Agrarian Community in South-South Nigeria

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global public health threat, often associated with other co-morbidities with significant morbidities and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of DM in a rural agrarian community in Nigeria.Methodology: This cross-sectional study, using quantitative methods, was carried out in Ayua community in Etsako West local government area of Edo state, South-South Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was intervieweradministered while socio-demographics, anthropometric data, blood pressure and weight measurements as well as random blood glucose were obtained from participants.Findings: Two hundred and sixteen participants (58 males, 158 females) completed the study with a mean age of 54.2+16.4 years. Diabetes was found in 30 (13.9%) participants and undiagnosed in 40.0% while hypertension and obesity were found in 61(28.2%) and 57(26.4%) respectively. Diabetes was independently predicted by age > 50 years (OR = 5.7) and the presence of a family history of DM (OR = 43.0) with p < 0.001 each) but not by obesity (p=0.860), hypertension (p = 0.477) or family history of hypertension (p = 0.09).Conclusion: Considering the high prevalence of DM and co-morbidities in this rural agrarian community, we recommend regular screening of adults for these conditions. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Nigeria, Rura