Prevalence and awareness of diabetes in Guinea: findings from a WHO STEPS

Aims: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of diabetes, and to assess its awareness and related risk factors among adult Guineans.Methods: A population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1 100 adults (46.6% women) aged 35­64 years from Lower Guinea, during September to December 2009, using the WHO STEPwise approach of surveillance of chronic disease risk factors. Data were collected in three steps: demographic and behavioural risk factors, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements, and fasting blood cholesterol and glucose testing. A multi-stage cluster sample design was applied to generate nationwide representative data.Results: The mean age of all participants was 47.3 years (SD 8.8), similarly in Conakry, rural Lower Guinea and urban Lower Guinea. The prevalence of diabetes was 5.7% (95% CI 4.0­8.1). Among participants with diabetes, only 44.0% were aware of their status. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, determinants of diabetes prevalence were urban residency, male sex, age group 45­64 years, increased waist circumference, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia. Male sex, rural residency, age group 45­54 years, no formal education, waist circumference, hypertension and hypercholesterolemia were independent predictors of screen-detected diabetes.Conclusion: The present study found a high prevalence and low awareness of diabetes, suggesting the need for appropriate actions to strengthen primary healthcare approaches towards non-communicable diseases in Guinea