Prevalence of Prediabetes and Associated Factors among University Students and Staff in Mogadishu, Somalia

Background: Prediabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications.Within Africa, the prevalence of prediabetes is approximately 7.8%, with a projected escalation of 8.0% by 2045.Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and its associated factors among staff and students in Mogadishu, Somalia. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted on World Diabetes Day November 14, 2023, at SIMAD University.Convenience sampling was used to include participants aged 17 years or above.Blood glucose levels were measured using a portable glucose meter (CareSens N, South Korea), and participants were classified as having normal glucose levels or prediabetes, based on fasting or post-meal status.Data analysis was performed using R software with descriptive statistics, linear regression, and chi-square tests.Results: Among 217 participants (mean age 20.95 ± 5.68 years), the prevalence of prediabetes in the population was 15.2% (95% CI: 10.84%-20.84%).Staff members had a significantly higher prevalence of prediabetes (45.45%) than students (13.59%) (95% CI: 8.3%-18.8%)(p=0.004).Fasting participants had a higher prevalence of prediabetes (39.39%) than did post-meal participants (4.64%) (p<0.001).In multivariable analysis, only staff (Adjusted Beta=25.92,95% CI: 7.39-44.45,p=0.006) and post-meal status (Adjusted Beta=7.52,95% CI: 2.91-12.13,p<0.001) remained significant. Conclusion:The prevalence of prediabetes was 15.2%, with staff and fasting participants showing a higher prevalence.Age was positively associated with glucose levels.These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention efforts in university settings to mitigate the progression of prediabetes to overt diabetes and its associated complications.