Identifying the Prevalence and Risk Factors Associated With Uncontrolled Diabetes (Type 2) in Al Buraimi Governorate, Sultanate of Oman

BACKGROUND: People with poorly controlled diabetes are likely to have shortened life, diabetes related complications and also reduced quality of life. WHO-EMRO region is considered to be the highest prevalence region accounted 43 million people. Among GCC countries, Oman has reported increased number of cases in recent years.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and risk factors associated with uncontrolled diabetes (Type 2) in a diabetic setting of Al Buraimi Polyclinic, AL Buraimi Governorate, Oman.

METHODOLOGY: This Cross sectional retrospective study was conducted in diabetic clinic of Al Buraimi Polyclinic of primary health care, Al Buraimi Governorate Oman between January-April 2015. This study enrolled all diabetic patients type 2 (N=1164) who were registered during the period 2010-2014 in the polyclinic. Data was retrieved from the electronic diabetic register and patient’s electronic records in a diabetic setting at Al Buraimi Polyclinic. Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze the data. Differences between the groups were analyzed by using Chi-square test in SPSS 16 with p value ≤ 0.05 significance level.

RESULTS: Prevalence of Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 was found to be 623 (54%) among 1164 registered patients. 1108 (95%) were Omani nationals and 56 (5%) were non-Omani nationals with mean age 51±12 and male predominance 632 (54%) with higher significance (p-value=0.009). A significant association was found between treatment and glycemic control (p-value = 0.000) with 926 (80%) were on oral hypoglycemic agents. Moreover, HbA1c was significantly associated with total cholesterol, Low density lipoprotein and Triglyceride with (p-value=0 .000). 629 (54%). Diabetic patients were having family history as a common risk factor.

CONCLUSION: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus with prevalence >50% implies an alarming challenge to health care system. An intervention should be focused on patient’s education, emphasizing on life modification strategies. Furthermore, multidisciplinary approach is needed for the effective care of diabetes in primary health care.