Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Uganda

While atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk is increased in patients with type 2 diabetes, the magnitude and socio-demographic determinants of this risk are not known in Uganda. We aimed to establish the magnitude of the predicted 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk and describe its socio-demographic determinants among patients with type 2 diabetes in Uganda. This was a cross-sectional study conducted in eight (8) diabetes clinics from November 2020 to February 2021. We enrolled 500 patients with type 2 diabetes aged between 40 to 79 years. Patients were interviewed on their socio-demographic characteristics. Anthropometric and laboratory measurements were performed. The predicted 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk was categorized using the Pooled Cohorts Risks Equations. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression was conducted to establish associated socio-demographic factors. The majority of participants were females (78%), with a mean age of 55.14years (SD±8.96). Of the patients studied, 20% were at low risk (score <5%), 14.2% borderline risk (score 5-≤7.5%), 45.2% intermediate risk (score7.5-<20) and 20.6% high risk (score ≥20%). Elevated risk of score ≥7.5% was found in 65.8%. The male gender (AOR= 5.456, 95% CI 2.998-9.932, p=0.001), at least 50 years of age (AOR=7.841 95% CI 4.863-12.642, p=0.001), part-time employment (AOR=1.726, 95% CI 1.221-2.441, p=0.002) and being widowed (AOR=2.4, 95% CI 1.192-4.833, p=0.002) were significantly associated with cardiovascular disease risk. The cardiovascular disease risk among patients with type 2 diabetes is high. The male gender, age of at least 50years, part-time employment, and being widowed are socio-demographic factors that should be prioritized at primary level management of cardiovascular disease.