Prevalence: Knowledge, Attitude and Management Practices of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension in Amaoba Ikwuano Abia State Nigeria

Screening study of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was carried out in Amaoba Ikwuano, Abia State, Nigeria to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension and to access management practices of the diseases among the subject. Accu-check glucometer strip, blood pressure monitor, weighing balance, height metre were used for the study. Out of 260 subjects. 136(52.30%) were males and 124(47.70%) were female. The overall prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension in the study area was 35.38% and 32.31% respectively. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the study area indicated that males (41.3%) were more affected than females (29.03%). Also male subjects are more hypertensive (38.25%) than females (28.81%). There is no significant difference with respect to sex (p< 0.05). Incidence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension showed that males within the age group of 61-70 years have the highest (38.89%) followed by females in the same age group (26.78%) and the least (2.94%) was among age group 20 -30 years in the study area. There was a significant difference between age and sex (p < 0.05). Body Mass Index (BMI) according to sex in relation to diabetes mellitus and hypertension showed that majority of overweight males (67.85%) and females (65.38%) are diabetic. Questionnaire analysis showed that majority of respondents were aware of diabetes mellitus. Most subjects (64.62%) have not been previously diagnose of diabetes mellitus. Knowledge on hypertension showed that most (96.15%) are aware of the disease and majority (67.69%) have not been previously diagnosed of the disease. Some respondent believed that diabetes is mainly caused by consumption of starchy food (31.62%), others identified the cause of hypertension to be obesity (39.26%). Management of diabetes mellitus were identified to be adhering to diet (29.31%). Whereas the management of hypertension were identified to be maintaining normal weight (33.57%). High blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and overweight are prevalent in the study area. There is need for proper health education in the communities for regular screening test and management practices to minimize or avert the risk of complications of late diagnosis.