Factors associated with poor glycemic control among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in Gamo and Gofa zone public hospitals, Southern Ethiopia: A case-control study

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a serious global public health problem that affects the whole life of people in terms of their biological, psychological, and social effects. Complications and death from diabetes occur from poorly controlled blood glucose levels. Thus, dealing with glycemic control is essential for controlling the development of devastating acute and chronic complications related to diabetes. Therefore, this study aims to assess factors associated with poor glycemic control among type2 diabetes patients in public hospitals of Gamo and Gofa zone southern, Ethiopia, 2021. METHODS: An institution-based unmatched case-control study was employed among 312 randomly selected participants using a pre-tested, interviewer-administered, and structured questionnaire. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors associated with poor glycemic control using IBM SPSS version 25. The strength of association was assessed by using an Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULT: Factors associated with poor glycemic control based on multivariable analysis were, having comorbidity (AOR = 2.35, 95% CI (1.39–3.95)), adhering to dietary recommendations (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI (089–0.51)), poor social support (AOR = 3.31, 95% CI (1.59–6.85)), physical exercise (AOR = 1.86 95% CI (1.11–3.12)), and having poly-pharmacy (AOR = 2.83, 95% CI (1.39–5.74)). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: This study indicated a significant association of comorbidity, physical exercise, poly-pharmacy, low social support, and adherence to dietary recommendations with poor glycemic control. We suggest that the health care providers and concerned bodies encourage patients to have regular check-ups and work on providing necessary social support.