Patterns of glycaemic control and associated factors among adult patients with diabetes attending medical referral clinics in two public hospitals in North-West Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Background Poor glycaemic control is the most challenging issue in diabetes care globally. The glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) value is the most standard monitoring parameter for appropriate glycaemic control status. Objective To assess the patterns of glycaemic control and associated factors among patients with diabetes attending medical referral clinics in North-West Ethiopia. Design An institution-based cross-sectional study. Setting This study was conducted in two public hospitals (Felege-Hiwot Comprehensive Specialized Hospital and Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital), Amhara National Regional State, North-West Ethiopia. Participants A total of 355 adult patients with diabetes were included in the study using a systematic sampling technique. Patients were recruited from both hospitals proportionally between July and September 2021. Outcome measures Glycaemic control was assessed using HbA1c levels. Data were collected using a checklist and structured questionnaire and analysed using a binary logistic regression model. Results The overall prevalence of poor glycaemic control was 66.2% (95% CI 61.1% to 71%). Age 31–45 years (AOR=0.30, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.75), 46–60 years (AOR=0.12, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.33) and >60 years (AOR=0.09, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.31), lower educational status (AOR=3.48, 95% CI 1.01 to 12.01), type 2 diabetes (AOR=3.36, 95% CI 1.56 to 7.27), poor adherence to antidiabetic drugs (AOR=4.18, 95% CI 1.70 to 10.30), physical inactivity (AOR=4.30, 95% CI 2.11 to 8.76), longer duration of diabetes mellitus (AOR=2.06, 95% CI 1.13 to 3.75) and high body mass index (AOR=3.83, 95% CI 1.31 to 11.19) were associated with poor glycaemic control. Conclusion The prevalence of poor glycaemic control was high. Age, lower educational status, type 2 diabetes, physical inactivity, high body mass index, longer duration of diabetes and poor adherence to antidiabetic drugs were associated with uncontrolled glycaemia.