Factors Associated With Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension Among Adults in the Northern Rural Area, Afghanistan Publisher Pubmed



Sh Fayaz Said HAFIZULLAH ; N Hamajima NOBUYUKI ; Mk Frozanfar Muhammad KAMEL ; Mh Hamrah Mohammad HASSAN ; S Inthaphatha SOUPHALAK ; K Nishino KIMIHIRO ; E Yamamoto EIKO
Source: Nagoya Journal of Medical Science Published:2024

Abstract

Afghanistan has an increasing trend of mortality due to non-communicable diseases but most studies were conducted in urban areas. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with diabetes mellitus and hypertension in a rural area in Afghanistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2019 including 373 people who were 18–79 years old and lived in Andkhoy District, Afghanistan. Demographic and lifestyle data was collected by face-to-face interviews after informed consent was obtained. Height, body weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, and blood sugar level were measured by the data collection team. A logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was 9.7% and 29.5%, respectively. Factors associated with diabetes mellitus were male gender (adjusted OR [AOR]=9.81, 95% CI: 2.48–38.90), family history of diabetes mellitus (AOR=3.84, 95% CI: 1.30–11.38), low physical activity (AOR=4.53, 95% CI: 1.13–18.26), and high waist circumference (AOR=7.93, 95% CI: 2.40–26.20). Snuff users were negatively associated with diabetes mellitus (AOR=0.18, 95% CI: 0.04–0.75). Factors associated with hypertension were the age group of 40–59 years (AOR=4.22, 95% CI: 1.99–8.95) and 60–79 years (AOR=19.83, 95% CI: 7.19–54.71) compared to 18–39 years, family history of hypertension (AOR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.15–4.10), and palaw intake of 3 times per week or more (AOR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.03–3.38). Lifestyle interventions for increasing physical activity should be introduced and health education about snuff usage and salt intake should be promoted in communities in Afghanistan. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.