Original Article
Prevalence of Prediabetes and Associated Factors among University Students and Staff in Mogadishu, Somalia
Authors: Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed , Najib Isse Dirie , Omar Abdullahi Abdi , Bashiru Garba , Hodo Aideed Asowe , Jamal Hassan Mohamoud , Fartun Abdullahi Hassan Orey , Jihaan Hassan , Fartun Yasin Mohamed , Samira Abdullahi Moalim , Olalekan John Okesanya , Zeinab Omar Mohamed , Ifrah Ali , Mulki Mukhtar Hassan
DOI: https://doi.org/10.37184/lnjpc.2707-3521.7.14
Year: 2025
Volume: 7
Received: May 27, 2024
Revised: Aug 07, 2024
Accepted: Aug 18, 2024
Corresponding Auhtor: Mohamed Mustaf Ahmed (momustafahmed@outlook.com)
All articles are published under the Creative Commons Attribution License
Prevalence of Prediabetes and Associated Factors among University Students and Staff in Mogadishu, Somalia
Abstract
Background: Prediabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications. Within Africa, the prevalence of prediabetes is approximately 7.8%, with a projected escalation of 8.0% by 2045.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and its associated factors among staff and students in
Mogadishu, Somalia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on World Diabetes Day November 14, 2023, at SIMAD University. Convenience sampling was used to include participants aged 17 years or above. Blood glucose levels were measured using a portable glucose meter (CareSens N, South Korea), and participants were classified as having normal glucose levels or prediabetes, based on fasting or post-meal status. Data analysis was performed using R software with descriptive statistics, linear regression, and chi-square tests.
Results: Among 217 participants (mean age 20.95 ± 5.68 years), the prevalence of prediabetes in the population was 15.2% (95% CI: 10.84%-20.84%). Staff members had a significantly higher prevalence of prediabetes (45.45%) than students (13.59%) (95% CI: 8.3%-18.8%) (p=0.004). Fasting participants had a higher prevalence of prediabetes (39.39%) than did post-meal participants (4.64%) (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, only staff (Adjusted Beta=25.92, 95% CI: 7.39-44.45, p=0.006) and post-meal status (Adjusted Beta=7.52, 95% CI: 2.91-12.13, p<0.001) remained significant.
Conclusion: The prevalence of prediabetes was 15.2%, with staff and fasting participants showing a higher prevalence. Age was positively associated with glucose levels. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention efforts in university settings to mitigate the progression of prediabetes to overt diabetes and its associated complications.
Keywords: Prediabetes, prevalence, associated factors, university students, staff, Somalia.
INTRODUCTION
Diabetes mellitus poses a considerable challenge to global public health, marked by elevated levels of blood glucose that have the potential to result in serious ramifications, including cardiovascular disorders, kidney malfunction, vision loss, and limb amputation, as the condition progresses [1], [2]. In 2021, approximately
529 million individuals worldwide were reported to be affected by diabetes, exhibiting a global age- standardized prevalence of 6.1%. Forecasts suggest a potential escalation of this figure to approximately
1.31 billion by 2050 [3]. The prevalence of diabetes in Africa is rapidly increasing, with approximately 24 million individuals between the ages of 20-79 in the region in
2021, signifying a regional prevalence of 4.5% [4]. Sub- Saharan Africa is currently witnessing a notable surge in both the frequency and extent of diabetes, as forecasted figures suggest that a potential escalation in the diabetic population of the region is expected to increase from
19.4 million in 2019 to 47.1 million by 2045 [5]. The projected increase in this burden is expected to reach 55 million adults by 2045, representing a substantial growth of 129%, the most significant increase in any region [4].
In Somalia, where healthcare infrastructure is already strained due to years of conflict and instability, the increasing burden of diabetes and its complications poses a significant challenge to the country’s health system [6]. The prevalence of diabetes in Somalia is estimated to be 5.0% among adults aged 20-79 years, which is expected to increase owing to limited healthcare resources and a lack of widespread awareness and screening programs. Prediabetes, also known as impaired fasting glucose
(IFG) level, is a notable risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This condition is distinguished by elevated blood glucose levels that exceed the normal range but fall below the diagnostic criteria for diabetes [7]. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) regards individuals whose fasting blood glucose levels range from 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) to less than 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) as presenting with an IFG [8]. On the contrary, the World Health Organization (WHO) establishes a slightly higher range, extending from 110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L) to 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) [9]. People with prediabetes were found to have a 6-fold higher risk of developing diabetes than those with normoglycemia [10].
Globally, the prevalence of prediabetes is currently estimated to be 7.3%, affecting approximately 373.9 million individuals aged 20-79 years in 2021. It is expected to decrease to 5.8%, affecting approximately 298 million people within the next two decades [11]. In Africa, the prevalence of prediabetes was estimated to be 7.8% (40.9 million people aged 20-79 years) in 2021 and is predicted to increase to 8.0% (84.7 million) by 2045 [12]. However, its prevalence varies widely between and within African countries, ranging from 2.0% to 12% across studies and diagnostic criteria [7, 13]. In East Africa, the estimated prevalence of prediabetes is 12.58% [12].
The pathophysiology of prediabetes involves insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. Insulin resistance occurs when cells in muscles, fat, and the liver respond poorly to insulin and cannot use glucose from the bloodstream for energy. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin. Over time, if beta cells cannot keep up with the increased demand for insulin, glucose levels rise, leading to prediabetes and eventually type 2 diabetes [14]. Modifiable risk factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet contribute significantly to this process [15]. Most individuals who develop type
2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) experience a transitional phase known as ‘prediabetes,’ which presents a critical window for early identification and intervention to prevent progression to T2DM [16]. The chance of developing T2DM can be reduced by embracing a healthy lifestyle, which involves maintaining a well-balanced diet, engaging in consistent physical activity, and effectively managing obesity [17, 18].
Given the high risk of progression from prediabetes to overt diabetes and its complications, there is an urgent need to improve the early detection and management of prediabetes. Intervention strategies have documented a reduction in the onset of diabetes among prediabetic individuals, mainly by introducing lifestyle interventions, such as dietary adjustments, enhanced physical activity, and behavioral changes [17-19]. These strategies have demonstrated efficacy in decreasing the prevalence of type 2 diabetes by modulating multiple metabolic factors, including waist circumference, plasma glucose
concentration, and body fat composition. However, such interventions are underutilized in low-resource settings such as Somalia. Various risk factors have been linked to prediabetes in African populations, such as age, family history of diabetes, general obesity, hypertension, low educational attainment, unemployment, and urban residence [20, 21]. No prior study has specifically investigated prediabetes in Somalia. Previous studies have focused solely on diabetes. These limitations highlight the need for more targeted studies to better understand the burden of prediabetes and its risk factors.
Academic environments, such as universities, present a distinctive opportunity to investigate the trends in prediabetes and the factors linked to it in the young adult population [22]. University students and staff represent a diverse population with varying socioeconomic backgrounds, lifestyle habits, and health profiles [23]. Previous studies have explored the prevalence and risk factors for prediabetes among university staff and students. For example, a study conducted in Nigeria found a prediabetes prevalence of 22.3% among administrative staff at a tertiary health center, with significant associations with obesity and physical inactivity [24]. Similarly, the prevalence of prediabetes in students in Mangalore was 16.3%, highlighting the impact of sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits [25]. These findings underscore the importance of addressing prediabetes in young adult populations in an academic setting. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and its associated factors among SIMAD University staff and students in Mogadishu, Somalia. Specifically, it addresses the gap in localized data on prediabetes prevalence in academic settings in Somalia and identifies key demographic and lifestyle factors that contribute to impaired glucose metabolism in this population. The results have significant implications for public health. By identifying high-risk groups and modifiable risk factors, these findings can guide the development of targeted interventions aimed at preventing the progression from prediabetes to diabetes. Implementing lifestyle intervention programs in university settings could significantly reduce the long-term burden of diabetes in Somalia. Moreover, the results of this study will guide the creation of focused preventive measures, including lifestyle interventions and awareness initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of prediabetes and its transition to type 2 diabetes within academic environments.
METHODOLOGY
This cross-sectional study was conducted on World Diabetes Day, November 14, 2023, at SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia. The target population consisted of students and staff members at SIMAD University who had attended the screening event. Convenience sampling was employed, and all individuals aged 17 years or older who consented to participate were included. Individuals who were already diagnosed with diabetes and those
who did not provide informed consent were excluded from the study.
Cochran’s formula was used to determine the sample size needed to estimate the prevalence of prediabetes. The calculation for the required sample size (n) was conducted in the following manner:
Where:
n is the sample size
z is the z-score (1.96 for 95% confidence level)
p is the estimated proportion of the population, which is 12.58% or 0.1258
e is the margin of error, which was set at 5% (0.05)
The proportion estimate (p) was derived from a systematic review and meta-analysis carried out by Asmelash et al. (2023). They reported a prediabetes rate of 12.58% (0.1258) among the adult East African population [12]. To accommodate a possible nonresponse rate of 10%, the sample size was modified to 190. To enhance the probability of acquiring an adequately powered sample for analysis, 217 individuals were screened.
Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia, based on the approval letter dated November 10, 2023 (Reference number: 2023/SU-IRB/FMHS/ P008). In line with this approval, all participants in the study provided written informed consent after being properly informed about the study’s objectives, their right to confidentiality, and their ability to withdraw consent at any time without facing any consequences.
Data were collected using paper forms that captured information on age, sex, role (student or staff), meal status (postmeal or fasting), and glucose levels. Data were entered into an Excel spreadsheet. Blood glucose levels were assessed using a portable glucose meter (CareSens N, South Korea) in accordance with established standard operating protocols. The staff were employees of SIMAD University, including administrative and academic personnel, while students were enrolled in any academic program at SIMAD University. Fasting was defined as participants who had not consumed any food or beverages, except water, for at least 8 hours before the blood glucose test, whereas post-meal was defined as participants who had consumed a meal within the past 2 hours before the blood glucose test. Individuals were categorized based on their glucose levels as either within the normal range (<100 mg/dL fasting and <140 mg/dL post-meal) or indicative of prediabetes (100-125 mg/dL fasting, 140-199 mg/dL post-meal). Participants indicated whether they had fasted for at least 8 hours or had consumed a meal within the past 2 hours. Anthropometric measurements, such as height and
weight, were not performed in this study.
Data was analyzed using R software (version 4.4.0). Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the participant characteristics. Continuous variables are represented as mean ± standard deviation (SD), while categorical variables are expressed as frequencies and percentages. The prevalence of prediabetes was calculated as the proportion of participants with prediabetes among the total number of screened participants. Visualizations such as scatter plots, density plots, and box plots were used to examine the relationships between variables and compare the distribution of glucose levels between the groups. Linear regression analysis and chi-square (χ²) tests were conducted to examine different relationships. The chi-square test was used to determine the connection between categorical variables such as sex, role, and meal status with glycemic status. The effect sizes for significant associations were calculated using Cramer’s V test. To identify the factors associated with glucose levels, we performed both univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses. Initially, univariate linear regression analyses were conducted for each independent variable (age, sex, role, and meal status) to compute univariate beta coefficients. Subsequently, significant variables from the univariate analyses were included in a multivariable linear regression model to obtain adjusted beta coefficients. Statistical analysis was performed to determine a significance level of p-value<0.05. Assumptions for parametric and regression analyses, including normality, homoscedasticity, and multicollinearity, were assessed and met before conducting the analyses. Pilot testing of instruments and protocols was not conducted before the main study.
Quality control protocols were implemented on the study day. This means that specific procedures and checks were performed to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the blood glucose measurements. The glucometer was calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring that the readings were accurate. There were no missing data in the data set. Although some outliers were present, these were retained in the analysis due to their significant findings and the nature of the data. Potential sources of bias include selection bias due to convenience sampling and measurement bias. To minimize these biases, standardized protocols were followed for all measurements and data collection was conducted by trained personnel. Additionally, the use of a portable glucose meter with regular calibration ensured the accuracy of biochemical measurements.
RESULTS
Sociodemographic Characteristics
A total of 217 individuals participated in this study with a mean age of 20.95 ± 5.68 years (range: 17-55 years) participated in this study. The majority of participants were aged 17-25 years, 201 (92.6%), followed by those
Table 1: Sociodemographic characteristics.
Variable | Frequency | Percentage |
Age (years) | ||
17-25 | 201 | 92.6 |
26-40 | 10 | 4.6 |
>40 | 6 | 2.8 |
Age (years) | mean ± SD: 20.95 ± 5.68 | |
Sex | ||
Male | 137 | 63.1 |
Female | 80 | 36.9 |
Role | ||
Student | 206 | 95 |
Staff | 11 | 5 |
Meal Status | ||
Post-meal | 151 | 69.6 |
Fasting | 66 | 30.4 |
Glucose Level (mg/dL) | mean ± SD: 105.4 ± 16.56 |
Table 2: Prevalence of prediabetes.
Glycemic Status | Frequency (%) | 95% Confidence Interval |
Normal | 184 (84.8) | 79.1-89.15 |
Prediabetes | 33 (15.2) | 10.84-20.84 |
Table 3: Comparison of glycemic status by age group, sex, role, and
meal status.
Variable | Glycemic Status | χ² | P Value | |
Prediabetes n(%) | Normal n(%) | |||
Age (Years) | ||||
17-25 | 28 (13.93) | 173 (86.07) | 3.93 | 0.140 |
26-33 | 2 (25) | 6 (75) | ||
> 33 | 3 (37.5) | 5 (62.5) | ||
Sex | ||||
Male | 20 (14.6) | 117 (85.4) | 0.11 | 0.744 |
Female | 13 (16.25) | 67 (83.75) | ||
Role | ||||
Student | 28 (13.59) | 178 (86.41) | 8.22 | 0.004* |
Staff | 5 (45.45) | 6 (54.55) | ||
Meal Status | ||||
Fasting | 26 (39.39) | 40 (60.61) | 43.03 | <0.001* |
Post-meal | 7 (4.64) | 144 (95.36) |
aged 26-40 years, 10 (4.6%), and those over 40 years,
6 (2.8%). The study included 137 males (63.1%) and 80 females (36.9%). Most participants were students, 206 (95%), with a smaller proportion being staff members, 11 (5%). Most participants had consumed a meal within 2 hours before screening (post-meal status), 151 (69.6%), and 66 participants (30.4%) were fasting. The mean glucose level was 105.4 ± 16.56 mg/dL (95% CI: 102.89-
107.91) (Table 1).
Prevalence of Prediabetes
The prevalence of prediabetes among the study
participants was 15.2% (95% CI: 10.84-20.84). The
remaining 84.8% (95% CI: 79.1-89.15) had normal
glucose levels (Table 2).
Comparison of Glycemic Status by Various Factors The chi-square test revealed a significant difference in glycemic status between roles (student vs. staff) and
(student vs. staff).
glycemic status (χ² = 8.22, p = 0.004, Cramer’s V = 0.27). The prevalence of prediabetes was higher among the staff (45.45%; 95% CI: 34.2-56.7%) than among the
students (13.59%; 95% CI: 8.3-18.8%) (Table 3). The distribution of glucose levels by role is visualized in Fig. (1), showing a broader distribution for staff members than for students, indicating higher glucose levels among the staff. The student distribution had a peak centered around a glucose level of approximately 90-95 mg/dL, whereas the staff distribution peaked occurring around 110-120 mg/dL, suggesting a more dispersed range of glucose levels among the staff. Meal status was also significantly correlated with glycemic status (p<0.001). Participants in the fasting state had a higher prevalence of prediabetes (39.39%) than those in the postmeal state (4.64%) (Table 3). No significant relations were found between age (p = 0.140), sex (p = 0.744), and glycemic status (Table 3). The correlation between age and glucose levels according to sex and role is shown in Fig. (2).
Univariate and Multivariable Linear Regression Analysis
The univariate linear regression analysis indicated significant associations between glucose levels and age (Beta=0.58, 95% CI: 0.19-0.97, p = 0.003), sex
(male) (Beta=6.84, 95% CI: 2.3-11.37, p = 0.003), role
(staff) (Beta=18.93, 95% CI: 9.08-28.78, p <0.001),
and meal status (post-meal) (Beta=7.73, 95% CI: 2.99-
Table 4: Univariate and multivariate linear regression analysis.
Variable | Beta (95% CI) | p-value | Adjusted Beta (95% CI) | p-value |
Age (in years) | 0.58 (0.19-0.97) | 0.003* | -0.41 (-1.15-0.32) | 0.270 |
Sex (Male) | 6.84 (2.3-11.37) | 0.003* | 4.46 (-0.2-9.13) | 0.060 |
Role (Staff) | 18.93 (9.08-28.78) | <0.001* | 25.92 (7.39-44.45) | 0.006* |
Meal Status (Post-meal) | 7.73 (2.99-12.47 | <0.001* | 7.52 (2.91-12.13) | <0.001* |
CI = Confidence Interval, *Significance at p<0.05
12.47, p <0.001) (Table 4). In contrast, the multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that only role (staff) (Adjusted Beta=25.92, 95% CI: 7.39-44.45, p=0.006)
and meal status (post-meal) (Adjusted Beta=7.52, 95% CI: 2.91-12.13, p<0.001) maintained significant associations with glucose levels. Age (Adjusted Beta=- 0.41, 95% CI: -1.15-0.32, p = 0.270) and sex (male)
(Adjusted Beta=4.46, 95% CI: -0.2-9.13, p = 0.060) were not statistically significant in this analysis (Table 4).
The scatter plot (Fig. 2) revealed an upward trend, confirming the positive correlation between age and glucose levels across the entire age range. Males generally have higher glucose levels than females at any given age. Staff members tend to have higher glucose levels than students, particularly at older ages. However, some students showed higher glucose levels than staff. The box plot (Fig. 3) showing the distribution of glucose levels by role (staff vs. student) and sex (female vs. male) revealed several key patterns. The median glucose level for male staff members (green) was higher than that for both male and female students. The range of glucose levels was wider for students than for staff, with some outliers present in both male (green) and female (red) students. Additionally, male staff members generally showed higher glucose levels than both male and female students, while the glucose levels of male students showed more variability compared to female students.
DISCUSSION
The prevalence of prediabetes was 15.2% (95% CI: 10.84-20.84), which was higher than the estimated
12.58% prevalence in the adult population of East Africa [12]. However, this finding aligns with the wide prevalence of prediabetes reported across African countries, ranging from 2.0% to 43.2% [7, 13]. A study conducted in Ethiopia reported a total estimated prediabetes prevalence of 20.3% within the study population, which is higher than that reported in our study [26]. This discrepancy could be attributed to the different settings and specific population groups studied, as our research focused on students and staff, who might have different lifestyle factors affecting their glucose levels. The findings of this study also align with global trends, where approximately 7.3% of the adult population is affected by prediabetes. In Africa, the prevalence of prediabetes is estimated to be 7.8% in 2021 and is projected to increase to 8.0% by 2045 [27]. A key finding of this study was the significantly higher prevalence of prediabetes among the staff (45.45%; 95% CI: 34.2-56.7%) than
among the students (13.59%; 95% CI: 8.3-18.8%). This observation is consistent with previous research showing higher rates of prediabetes among university staff than among students. For example, a study in Nigeria found a prediabetes prevalence of 22.3% among administrative staff at a tertiary health center [24], whereas in Saudi Arabia, nearly 40% of faculty members and administrative staff at King Faisal University were at high risk of prediabetes [28]. The higher prevalence among staff may be attributed to age-related factors and lifestyle differences between the two groups.
The high prevalence of prediabetes among staff may be attributed to several mechanisms and pathways. One potential mechanism is the increased stress levels experienced by university staff compared with students. Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can lead to insulin resistance and higher blood glucose levels [29]. Additionally, staff members may have more sedentary lifestyles due to the nature of their work, contributing to impaired glucose metabolism [30]. Another pathway to consider is the effect of sleep patterns on glucose metabolism. Staff members might experience irregular or insufficient sleep due to work-related stress and responsibilities, which have been linked to disruptions in insulin sensitivity [31]. Furthermore, the role of meal timing and composition should not be overlooked. Irregular meal patterns and higher consumption of high-glycemic-index foods among staff members could contribute to postprandial glucose spikes, thereby increasing the risk of prediabetes [32]. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted interventions aimed at modifying risk factors to prevent the progression of prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. These factors create an environment conducive to the development of insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance. This suggests the need for targeted interventions to prevent diabetes progression. Early detection and lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and its associated complications [33].
In the univariate analysis, age was positively associated with glucose levels, which is consistent with the well- established relationship between aging and impaired glucose metabolism. For each one-year increase in age, the glucose level increased by 0.58 mg/dL. Several studies have reported similar findings, where older individuals tend to have higher glucose levels and an increased risk of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes [20, 34]. This highlights the importance of targeting older age groups for prediabetes screening and prevention. However, after adjusting for sex, role, and meal status in the multivariable model, age was no longer a significant predictor of glucose level. This finding suggests that the association between age and glucose levels may be confounded by other factors in this population. Multivariate analysis revealed that staff roles and post- meal status were significantly associated with higher glucose levels. The higher glucose levels among staff compared to students may be attributed to differences in lifestyle factors such as physical activity levels, dietary habits, and stress levels. Staff members may have a more sedentary work environment and greater job-related stress, which could contribute to impaired glucose metabolism. The finding that post-meal status was associated with higher glucose levels than fasting is consistent with the expected physiological response to food intake. After a meal, blood glucose levels typically rise as the body absorbs and metabolizes the ingested carbohydrates. This highlights the importance of considering meal status when interpreting glucose measurements and determining prediabetes status.
While males generally had higher glucose levels than females in our study, the literature presents mixed findings on sex differences in prediabetes prevalence. A study conducted among university students in Nigeria found that males had a higher prevalence of prediabetes than females [24], which aligns with the findings of the current study. Similarly, a study in the United States found that the adjusted prevalence of prediabetes was higher in male adolescents and young adults than that in females [35]. In contrast, other studies indicate that females in college settings show a higher prevalence of prediabetes than males [36, 37]. These discrepancies highlight the complex interplay of factors influencing prediabetes risk and the need for further research to explain sex-related differences. Unexpectedly, there was no significant association between sex and glycemic status (p=0.744). This finding suggests that other factors such as role and meal status may have a stronger influence on glucose levels in this population. The lack of significance for age (p=0.140) also indicated that age may not be a critical factor in glycemic status, as previously thought within this cohort. These non- significant results highlight the complexity of the factors influencing glucose levels and suggest areas for further research.
While this study provides valuable insights into the prevalence of prediabetes and its associated factors in an academic setting, several limitations should be noted. The study did not collect data on potentially important confounding variables, such as BMI, family history of diabetes, dietary habits, physical activity levels, and socioeconomic status, which may have limited our ability to fully characterize prediabetes risk factors. Additionally, the use of convenience sampling may introduce selection bias, and reliance on self-reported data for meal status may be subject to recall bias. Despite this limitation, our findings make an important contribution to the limited literature on prediabetes in Somalia and highlight the need for targeted preventive efforts in academic settings. Interventions that promote healthy lifestyles, including balanced diets, regular physical activity, and weight management, should be developed and evaluated to mitigate the progression from prediabetes to overt diabetes and its associated complications. Universities provide a unique opportunity to reach young adults and influence their health behaviors, potentially reducing the long-term burden of diabetes in the population. While the findings provide valuable insights into the prevalence of prediabetes among university staff and students in Somalia, they may not be generalizable to other populations. Future research should include diverse populations to validate these findings and enhance their applicability. The results of this study should be disseminated through academic publications, conferences, and public health campaigns. Collaboration with local health authorities and institutions can help to translate these findings into effective interventions and policies to combat prediabetes. The Social Ecological Model can help contextualize the findings by considering the interplay of individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy factors that influence health behaviors [38]. This model underscores the importance of multilevel interventions to address complex determinants of prediabetes.
CONCLUSION
This study investigated the prevalence of prediabetes and its associated factors among students and staff at SIMAD University in Mogadishu, Somalia. The overall prevalence of prediabetes was 15.2%, which was significantly higher among staff members (45.45%) than among students (13.59%). While age showed a positive association with glucose levels in univariate analysis, it was not significant in multivariate analysis, indicating the influence of other confounding factors. Multivariate analysis revealed that the role (staff) and meal status (post-meal) were significantly associated with higher glucose levels. These findings suggest that targeted prevention efforts in university settings should focus on staff members at a higher risk of prediabetes. Interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles, such as maintaining balanced diets, engaging in regular physical activity, and effectively managing weight,
should be created and assessed to reduce the transition from prediabetes to diagnosed diabetes and its related complications. Universities provide a unique opportunity to implement preventive strategies and influence health
None.
FUNDING
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
behaviors among young adults and staff, potentially reducing the long-term burden of diabetes. The high prevalence of prediabetes among staff highlights a critical public health issue that warrants immediate attention. Implementing routine screening and early intervention programs in university settings could significantly reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications. Addressing this issue through targeted public health strategies can help mitigate the long-term burden of diabetes on the healthcare system.
Despite the valuable insights provided by this study, future research should focus on longitudinal studies to establish causal relationships between lifestyle factors and the progression of prediabetes. Additionally, investigating the effectiveness of specific interventions, such as stress management programs, dietary modifications, and physical activity initiatives, in reducing the prediabetes prevalence would be valuable. Studies that include more diverse samples across different regions and demographics can help generalize the findings and develop universally applicable prevention strategies. Based on these findings, several recommendations for practice and policy changes are outlined. Universities should implement regular health screening and wellness programs focused on identifying and managing prediabetes. Policies that promote healthier lifestyles, including access to nutritious food options and opportunities for physical activity, should be established in academic institutions. Collaboration between public health authorities and educational institutions is crucial for developing comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies that can be scaled up and adapted to other settings.
ETHICS APPROVAL
Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia, based on the approval letter dated November 10, 2023 (reference number: 2023/SU-IRB/FMHS/ P008). All procedures performed in studies involving human participants were following the ethical standards of the institutional and/ or national research committee and the Helsinki Declaration.
CONSENT FOR PUBLICATION
All participants in the study provided written informed consent after being properly informed about the study’s objectives, their right to confidentiality, and their ability to withdraw consent at any time without facing any consequences.
AVAILABILITY OF DATA
The data supporting the findings of this study are available from DOI the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Declared none.
AUTHORS’ CONTRIBUTION
MMA and NID conceptualized the research idea. BG, HAA, FAHO, and JH collaborated in developing the study design. OAA, FYM, and SAM were responsible for material preparation, data collection, and analysis. JHM analyzed and interpreted the data. OJO wrote the manuscript’s initial draft. All authors contributed to the writing, reviewing, and editing of subsequent versions of the manuscript.
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