Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus among Adults in Rural Anambra State, Nigeria: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) has increased rapidly in Nigeria, but studies show that DM prevalence varies in different parts of Nigeria. Despite the documented burden of chronic DM complications in Anambra State, the community-based prevalence of DM among adults in Anambra State is unknown. To determine the prevalence of DM in a rural community in Anambra State, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select adult residents of Ukpor aged ≥ 18 years. Data was collected using the STEPwise approach to chronic disease surveillance questionnaire. Diabetes Mellitus was defined as either random blood glucose ≥ 11 mmol/L, or previous diagnosis of DM. Data obtained was analysed using the T-test and Chi-square test. P-value < 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of DM was 12.3%. The prevalence of DM increased with age, and the association between increasing age and DM was significant (p < 0.05). Although the prevalence of DM was higher in women (14.1%) than in men (9.2%), there was no significant association between sex and DM (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DM among adults in this community is high and corresponds with the high burden of chronic DM complications previously documented in Anambra State.