SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF DIABETES MELLITUS INCIDENCE IN A RAPIDLY GROWING URBAN AREA IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) disease is one of the oldest diseases known to man. Incidence rate of the disease is on the increase particularly in low and middle income countries. The study investigated the variation in the incidence of DM in Owerri, Imo state Nigeria with a view to understand the risk factors and the disease pattern. Secondary data were collected from three major hospitals in Owerri. A total of 2,197 DM cases were accessed and used for the study on the attainment of ethical approval. The data collected covered the patients that were treated for DM in these hospitals between 2008 and 2017. The study made use of mixed methods comprising descriptive statistics, (tables, charts and percentages), and mapping using ArcGIS 10.4. The results of the study indicated that place of origin or residence were not factors in the distribution of the disease. The results as educed from maps on the study indicated that there were more cases of DM in 2017 compared to other years such as 2008 which has the least number of cases. The major predisposing factor was shown to be family history (hereditary, 73%), age (56 years and above), gender (female), marital status (married) and occupation (civil servants). The study concludes that DM disease is on the rise in Owerri Imo State, Nigeria and recommends a regional policy response.