The characteristics of people with diabetes mellitus in Kalutara District

Abstract

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Diabetes mellitus is on the rise. Although recent studies are available data on ethnic minorities and estate sector are scarce. Aim of this study was to describe selected socio demographic aspects of people with diabetes mellitus in Kalutara District. METHODS: A cross sectional descriptive study was done. One person randomly selected from 20 randomly selected households in each gramasevaka (GS) division. There were 65 random (GS) divisions from all divisional secretariat areas. The data were collected using a pre-tested standard questionnaire. Fasting blood sugar was done to detect diabetes mellitus. RESULTS: Among 1225 screened there were 205 (16.7%) diabetics. Approximately one third was newly detected. There were 107 (52.2%) females in the diabetic group. The highest proportion was observed in the 50-54 and 55-59 age groups (44, 21.5%) and the middle income group (93, 48.9%). Those who were educated from Grade 6 to 0/L contained most of the diabetic patients (75, 39.7%). The prevalence in the urban, rural and estate sectors were 25.5%, 15.5 and 9.2% respectively. The prevalence among Sinhalese, Tamils and Muslims were 19.0%, 9.0% and 22.4% respectively. A gradient can be observed when prevalence was graphed according to the unsatisfactory basic needs index of the GS divisions. The highest proportion (23%) was observed in the richest GS Division. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is high in the Kautara District. A higher prevalence was observed in urban areas, among Muslims and in rich GS divisions.