Type 2 Diabetes and Risk Factors in an Adult Population in Oujda, Eastern Morocco: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study

TL;DR

This study finds a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes and obesity in Oujda, Morocco, with age and obesity being key risk factors.

Contribution

The study provides new local data on T2D prevalence and its association with sociodemographic and lifestyle factors in eastern Morocco.

Findings

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Oujda was 16% among the studied population.

Obesity and age were the main factors associated with type 2 diabetes.

Low physical activity levels were reported by 36% of all patients and 46% of diabetics.

Abstract

Objectives

The rapidly increasing prevalence of diabetes makes it a public health concern. Adopting a healthier lifestyle can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D), the most common type of diabetes, and its complications. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of diabetes at the level of local health centers in the prefecture of Oujda, Morocco, and its relationship with obesity, physical activity, and sociodemographic factors.

Methodology

In a cross-sectional study in first-line health centers, sociodemographic and bioclinical data were collected through convenient purposive sampling using anthropometric and blood glucose measurements and structured, comprehensible interview questionnaires. The International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) questionnaire was used to measure the physical activity of the patients. The association of T2D with age, gender, education, occupation, obesity, and physical activity was analyzed.

Results

Out of 535 observed patients, 510 were included, mostly female with a minimum age of 18 years, with a prevalence of T2D of 16%. More than half of the patients were illiterate (56%) and 83% had no occupation. Obesity was prevalent, especially among diabetics, and only a minority were physically active according to WHO targets. Thirty-six percent of all patients and 46% of diabetics reported low levels of physical activity. Age and obesity were the main factors associated with T2D.

Conclusion

Obesity and T2D have a high prevalence in the Oujda region. A balanced diet and regular physical activity remain our best recommendations for preventing this disease. Special attention should be paid to women with diabetes in Arab countries so that they can actively participate in prevention activities.