Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Studies on cardiovascular risk factors among diabetic persons in Ethiopia are lacking. The
objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of the cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, obesity,
physical inactivity, dyslipidemia and smoking) among diabetic patients at the diabetic clinic of Jimma
University Specialized Hospital.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from October to December 2007. Three hundred one
individuals were randomly selected from 950 patients on follow-up. Data were collected using a structured
format and appropriate equipments and reagents. Laboratory data were recorded in a separate checklist. The
data were entered into SPSS for Windows version 12. Multivariate regression analysis was carried out to
identify predictors of hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia.
RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty six (85.1%) of the sample participated in the study. The prevalence of
hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity and current smoking was 46.5%, 23.4%, 63.5%, 55.1%
and 5.5% respectively. Age ≥ 45 years, type 2 diabetes and obesity were predictors of hypertension. Females
were less likely to be hypertensive (OR =2.26, 3.37, 3.79 and 0.48 respectively). Type 2 diabetics and females
were more while rural diabetics were less likely to be obese. (OR =6.08, 4.17 and 0.37 respectively). Female
gender, hypertension and fasting blood glucose ≥ 180mg/dl were predictors of dyslipidemia. Alcohol users were
less likely to be dyslipidemic. (OR =4.25, 3.5, 3.56 and 0.39, respectively)
CONCLUSION: Hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and physical inactivity were common while smoking was
uncommon among diabetic patients in Jimma University Specialized Hospital. Type 2 DM was a predictor of
hypertension and obesity. Diabetic women were more likely to be obese and dyslipidemic. We recommend
screening and management of these risk factors.
