Socioeconomic Factors and Risk for Developing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study among Healthcare Workers at a Tertiary Hospital in Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The global burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing, particularly among healthcare workers, who are at risk due to socioeconomic factors and lifestyle choices. Understanding the associations between these factors and the risk of developing T2DM is crucial for targeted prevention strategies. This study investigated the associations between socioeconomic variables and the risk of developing T2DM among healthcare workers at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, using the Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISC).
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 391 healthcare workers who completed a self-administered questionnaire on their sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics and diabetic risk. The FINDRISC tool was used to calculate the 10-year risk of developing T2DM. The data were analysed via descriptive and inferential statistics.
Results: A total of 391 healthcare workers completed the study. The mean age (SD) of the participants was 40.7 (8.2) years. There were 260 (66.5%) females and 327 (83.6%) married individuals. 218, 55.7% had tertiary education, 161, 41.2% were nurses, 172, 44% of the respondents earned between N201,000- N605,000, and the upper class represented 218, 55.8%. In terms of diabetes risk, 55.5% were classified as low risk, 24.8% as slightly elevated risk, and 8.2% as high risk for developing T2DM. The determinants of diabetic risk among healthcare workers include being female (OR = 4.81, 95% CI: 2.4 -9.40, p = 0.001), being ever married (OR = 8.40, 95% CI: 2.22-31.79, p = 0.002), having postgraduate education (OR = 2.98, 95% CI: 1.60-5.60, p= 0.001), being in a nursing profession (OR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.11-3.84, p = 0.023), and having a higher monthly income (OR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.00-4.45, p = 0.050).
Conclusion: Increased socioeconomic class is associated with increased risk of developing T2DM among healthcare workers. There is a need for targeted prevention programs focusing on lifestyle modifications and regular screening, particularly for high-risk groups within the healthcare sector.