Identifying the Risk Factors and the Prevalence of Poor Glycemic Control among Diabetic Outpatients in a Rural Region in Saudi Arabia
Ziyad S. Almalki
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Nehad Jaser Ahmed *
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abdullah K. Alahmari
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ahmed M. Alshehri
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Sheikah Abdullah Alyahya
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Abdulhadi Alqahtani
Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed Alhajri
Department of Pharmaceutical Services, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of poor glycemic control and risk factors associated with it among diabetic patients in the central rural region of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: The study included a review of diabetic patients’ medical record in King Khaled Hospital in Al-Kharj from the beginning of January 2019 to the end of June 2019. Poor glycemic control was defined as the current use of diabetic-lowering medication associated with HbA1c levels ≥7%. Multivariate analysis was done to identify the associated factors of poor glycemic control.
Results: Of 1,010 consecutive outpatients’ diabetic patients were involved in the study sample, poor glycemic control presented in 496 (49.1%). Individuals who were at risk to have poor glycemic control those between 45 and 65 years with odds ratio (OR) of 1.927 (95% CI: 1.143–3.248), obese 1.496 (95% CI: 1.085–2.063) and diagnosed with asthma 2.062 (95% CI: 1.637–3.504).
Conclusion: The extent of poor glycemic control in the study sample was found high. Age, obesity, and having asthma are the most important factors of increased risk of poor glycemic control. Improving glycemic control would need rigorous efforts by addressing these factors.
Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, glycemic control, prevalence, risk factors, diabetic patients, public health