Diabetes and its risk factors in a remote rural area of South India: A community based cross sectional survey

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction: Diabetes is a major public health problem and one of the important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and premature mortality in India. We aimed to study the diabetes and its association in a remote rural area of South India.

Methods: This study was conducted in 20 villages located around a Rural Health Training Centre in Chunampet in Tamilnadu. This study was carried out in March 2018 to October 2018 with by Medical Interns and Medical Social Workers under the direct supervision of faculty from Community Medicine using a pretested questionnaire.

Results: Prevalence of self-reported diabetes was 3.2% (2.9-3.6). Hypertensive patients were 12 times (aPR 12.1(9.6-15.2) more likely to have DM). With increase in age increase in prevalence of HT was 3% (aPR 1.03(1.02-1.04)). Married people were 5 times (aPR 5.2(2.1-12.9)) and separated people were 4 times (aPR 3.9(1.5-10.2)) more likely to have DM. Alcoholics were 37% (aPR 1.37(1.0-1.9)) more likely to have DM and non-vegetarians were 35% (aPR 0.65(0.5-0.9)) less likely to have DM.

Conclusion: Diabetes in a remote rural area of South India was significantly associated with hypertension, increase in age, married and widows and vegetarian diet.