Diabetes mellitus affects more than 500 million adults globally, representing a growing public health burden. This study analyzed and interpreted trends in diabetes prevalence from 2011 to 2021 in relation to key socioeconomic indicators across eight Western–Central and Eastern–Southern African countries, aiming to provide actionable insights using World Bank data. Five socioeconomic proxy indicators were examined: education attainment and internet use (2021); labor force participation, urban population growth, and current health expenditure (CHE, % of GDP) from 2011 to 2021. Descriptive analysis and exploratory Pearson correlation analysis were performed on the cleaned datasets using SPSS version 27. Data analysis revealed varied regional and country-level trends in diabetes prevalence. Botswana exhibited high educational attainment, the highest decrease in diabetes prevalence, and improvements in other indicators. In contrast, Ethiopia and Rwanda showed increases in diabetes prevalence, low educational attainment, and reduction in CHE. Internet use varied across study countries, with Botswana showing the highest rate. Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Benin, and Burkina Faso exhibited differing trends in the reduction of diabetes prevalence and the five socioeconomic proxy indicators, with Burkina Faso showing the major increase in CHE. These descriptive analyses indicated that socioeconomic indicators act collectively on diabetes prevalence. Additionally, exploratory Pearson correlations linked urban population growth to higher diabetes prevalence and internet use to lower prevalence. Overall, the study illustrates the dual influence of socioeconomic factors on trends in diabetes prevalence in Africa, emphasizing the importance of balanced, context-specific approaches to address diabetes amid evolving socioeconomic conditions.
Taha et al. (Mon,) studied this question.