Uncovering the Burden of Diabetes in Ekiti State, Nigeria: Insights From a Statewide, Household-Based, Cross-Sectional Study

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important global public health challenge, and the burden of the disease is huge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where the majority of people with this condition reside. Undiagnosed DM is more prevalent in LMICs. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and associated factors for DM in Ekiti State. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, household-based survey using a four-stage multistage sampling design and the World Health Organization (WHO)-STEPS survey manual was conducted from July to September 2020 as a part of the Ekiti State coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survey. Of the 5,145 sampled households, 4,726 individuals gave consent to participate in the survey. Out of these, 3043 had fasting plasma glucose results available and were included in the analysis. RESULTS: There were 2257 (74.2%) women and 786 (25.8%) men. The prevalence of DM was 6.5% (6.5% in males and 6.6% in females, P = 0.946). Diabetes was found to be more prevalent among those with a secondary school education or higher (10.9%); employed in the formal sector (13.4%); separated, divorced, or widowed (8.5%); with raised blood pressure (9.3%); and who were aged 30-59 years (all P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression showed that age, education, occupation, and hypertension were all positively and significantly associated with an increased risk of DM. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of DM in Ekiti State is high, and its predictors include advancing age, hypertension, education, and occupation. This calls for scaling up public health interventions for controlling DM, targeting the identified risk factors among the people of Ekiti.