Khadija Makbel1*, Akwilina Mwanri1 and Kaushik Ramaiya2
Aims: We aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension among adolescents in Morogoro region, Tanzania.
Methods: This was a cross-sectional study, which involved 384 adolescent students. Standard procedures were used to measure weight, height, body fat percentage, blood pressure and random blood glucose levels. Hyperglycemia was diagnosed using American Diabetes Association criteria and hypertension diagnosed using American Heart Association Guidelines for childhood hypertension. Dietary assessment was done using a validated dietary diversity questionnaire. Physical activities were assessed using a self-administered 7-day recall physical activity questionnaire for adolescents. Statistical analyses was done using IBM SPSS version 21. The Chi-square and logistic regression analysis were used to determine determinants for diabetes and hypertension.
Results: Prevalence of pre-diabetes was more than twice as much (7.3%) in the urban compared to the rural areas (3.1%). Determinants of pre-diabetes were overweight/obesity (OR 5.64; 95% CI 2.82–11.31), school type (OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.04–3.84) and elevated body fat (EBF) (OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.03 – 1.09). Likewise, prevalence of hypertension was much higher among urban adolescents (17.2%) compared to their peers (5.7%). Determinants of hypertension were location (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.11 – 3.07), overweight/obese (OR 5.89; 95% CI 3.19 – 10.89), elevated body fat (EBF) (OR 1.14; 95% CI 1.09 – 1.19) and low physical activities (OR 1.58; 95% CI (1.35 – 3.48).
Conclusion: High prevalence of pre-diabetes and hypertension among adolescents is alarming. Total body fat and increased BMI are associated with increased risk for pre-diabetes and hypertension. Promotion of healthy lifestyle should start at a younger age to prevent development of diet related non-communicable diseases.