Risk factor assessment for diabetes mellitus among secondary school staff in Owo, south west Nigeria

Statement of research problem: The prevalence of type 2 Diabetes is increasing worldwide. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, hence the need for early identification of risk factors. Objective: To determine the overall knowledge of the participants and assess risk factors. Method: A cross sectional survey of 118 staff of three secondary schools in Owo was conducted using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure and fasting or random blood sugar measurements were done using standard methods. Data was analyzed with SPSS version 21.0. Descriptive statistics were done. Associations were explored with the chi square test and Correlation at 5% level of significance. Results: Mean age of participants was 43 + 8 years, 59.3% were female, 66.9% had a good knowledge of Diabetes. In all, 13.6% smoked cigarettes, 35.6% drank alcohol, 49.2% do not take vegetable with their meals, 27.1% did not engage in physical exercise while 78.0% did not eat fruits at least once a day. About 75% of the respondents had at least one risky behaviour. Type 2 DM was found in 2.8% of the participants, 18.5% were hypertensive, 22.0% were obese, while 25.4% had abnormal waist hip ratio. More male respondents 22.9% had self-perceived risk of DM (p=0.001), 40.0% of female respondents had abnormal waist/hip ratio (p 0.001). Correlation (r=0.347) existed between Waist Hip ratio and random blood sugar, (p=0.012). Conclusion: Despite good knowledge of DM, many had at least one risky behavior. Intensifying efforts on educating the general population on the risk factors for DM and lifestyle modification is important. Keywords: diabetes mellitus, secondary school staff, risk factor assessement