Abstract:
Background: Diabetes is one of the largest global health emergencies of the 21st century. A major
concern in management of diabetes is to prevent diabetic complications that occur as a result of
poor glycemic control. Identification of factors associated with poor glycemic control is important
in order to institute appropriate interventions for the purpose of glycemic control and prevention of
chronic complications.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with poor glycemic control among
adult type 2 diabetic out patients at public hospitals in Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2019.
Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among 311 adult type 2 diabetic
out patients at public hospitals in Hadiya zone from March 1-30, 2019. Systematic sampling
technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using pretested structured
questionnaire and patients chart review; anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were
taken. Data were entered in Epi Data Version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS Version 20.
Descriptive statistics was used to describe the study variables. Bivariate was done to select
candidate variables and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors
associated with poor glycemic control. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with respective 95% CI and p <
0.05 were used to set statistically significant variables.
Results: Out of 305 diabetic patients, 222 (72.8%) were found to have poor glycemic control.
Longer duration of diabetes (5-10 years) [AOR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.17-4.27], lack regular follow up
[AOR=2.89, 95% CI: 1.08-7.71], low treatment adherence [AOR=4.12, 95% CI: 1.20-8.70], use of
other alternative treatments [AOR=3.58, 95% CI: 1.24-10.36], unsatisfactory patient physician
relation [AOR=2.27, 95% CI: 1.27-4.04] and insufficient physical activity [AOR=4.14, 95% CI:
2.07-8.28] were found to be independent predictors of poor glycemic control among type two
diabetes patients.
Conclusion: a significant proportion of diabetic patients in this study area had poor glycemic
control. Therefore, appropriate management of patients focusing on longer duration of diabetes,
irregular follow up, low treatment adherence, use of other alternative treatments, unsatisfactory
patient provider relation and insufficient physical exercise is needed in order to maintain optimal
glycemic control and prevent development of the life treating complications in the study setting
