Risk Factors and Prevalence of Diabetes: A Cross Sectional Study in Kabul, Afghanistan 2015

Objective: Burden of diabetes is increasing worldwide. National statistics on prevalence of diabetes in Afghanistan are insufficient. Thus, this study identified the prevalence of diabetes and key risk factors in Kabul, Afghanistan. Materials and Methods: Totally 1172 records were cleaned for analysis of whom 599 (51.1%) were females and 573 (48.9%) were males with a mean age of 38.6±12.2 years. The research team used WHO STEP wise approach along with cluster sampling method in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan. Data were collected on demographic, dietary habits, risk factors of noncommunicable diseases and physical characteristics using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and tested for fasting blood sugar. The prevalence of diabetes with differentiation of main factors identified. Statistical analysis conducted to examine the associations between different risk factors and diabetes. Results: The cleaned database containing complete data for analysis enclosed 1172 records. The overall prevalence of diabetes was 9.1% with differentiation of 8.9% in males and 9.3% in females. Furthermore 7.7% were undiagnosed with 1.4% were under treatment. Literacy rate was 50.4%, marriage was 77.5% and 60% of women were housewives. Prevalence of smoking and mouth snuff use were 8.1% and 9.8% respectively. Age, moderate physical activity, blood pressure and central obesity were associated with diabetes. Conclusion: This study found that one tenth of adults in Kabul are suffering from diabetes in the surveyed population. Age, hypertension, central obesity and moderate physical activity were significantly associated with diabetes. Focus on diabetes and its risk factors along with nationwide study using WHO STEP wise tools are recommended.