Factors Associated With Type 2 Diabetes Among Adults in Peri-Urban Communities in Nairobi, Kenya

OBJECTIVES: To assess diabetes knowledge, health beliefs, and lifestyle behaviors and to identify associations between demographic information, knowledge, health beliefs and lifestyle behavior among adults 18 years and above, in Kenya. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults in peri-urban communities in Nairobi, Kenya. Participants were randomly selected to participate in the survey (N = 226). Diabetes knowledge was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire, while health beliefs were assessed using a validated health belief model scale. Dietary intake was assessed using a culturally modified food frequency questionnaire, while physical activity was measured using the international physical activity questionnaire. Household food insecurity questionnaire (HFIAS) was used to assess food security. Multivariate logistic regressions were used in analysis of the associations between variable. RESULTS: Majority had a college education (61.5%), were female (71.7%), overweight/obese (54%) and the mean age was 37.5 years. About 31% reported being severely food insecure. Majority (69.5%) of the participants had poor knowledge on diabetes and their health beliefs mean score for was low. On average, participants consumed 2022.47 ± 781.49 calories per day with mean intake of approximately 299.81g/day carbohydrates, protein (56.49g), and fat consumption was 55.88% of the diet. The participants carbohydrates consumption contributed the highest (r = 0.742) to energy intake, followed closely by fat (r = 0.732) and least was protein (r = 0.538). The participants consumption of refined grains (p < 0.037), oils (0.029) and beans/peas/lentils (p < 0.0038) were associated with an increase in BMI. Furthermore, regression analysis revealed that income, education level, were significantly associated with diabetes knowledge and intake of a variety of food groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that diabetes knowledge and health beliefs are low among the participants and their dietary intake was poor with a high intake of carbohydrates and fats. The combination of these factors increases the risk for type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. FUNDING SOURCES: This study was partially funded by the Nutritional Sciences department at Texas Tech University.