Influence of Socio-economic Factors in the Distribution of Comorbidity of Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension Among Women of Childbearing Age in Imo State, Nigeria

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of socio-economic factors in the distribution of comorbidity of diabetes mellitus and hypertension among women of childbearing age in Imo State, Nigeria. A descriptive research design was employed in this community – based study. The sample size of 1200 was randomly selected. A cross-sectional stratified multistage sampling methodology was used for the study. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using laboratory test equipment of glucometer and its strips for random blood sugar estimation, sphygmomanometer and stethoscope for blood pressure measurement and self-structured questionnaire. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were ensured. Descriptive statistics of frequency, mean, percentage and standard deviation were used to analyse the data. Inferential statistics of Chi square was used to ascertain the association between the dependent and independent variables. Coefficient of simple determinant and odds ratio were also used in the analysis of the data. Results showed that socio-economic factors of income and education influenced diabetes, hypertension and co-morbidity of diabetes and hypertension. Of the 1200 respondents randomly selected, 684(57%) respondents had hypertension, 142 ±13.1 (11.9%) had diabetes mellitus while 118 ± 6.2 (9.9%) had comorbidity of diabetes mellitus and hypertensionAt decreasing educational and income levels of the respondents, both blood sugar levels and blood pressures increased respectively. Low educational attainment increases the chance of being diabetic (45.3%) while low income accounted for 87.7% impact. Both were significant at p=0.05 confidence level. Conclusively, socio-economic factors of income and education, influenced diabetes, hypertension and co-morbidity of diabetes and hypertension among women of childbearing age in Imo State.  Based on the findings, there is need for health promotion intervention activities to conscientize the populace on health related matters especially as it concerns women`s health. 

Dr. Nwufo is a Ph.D holder in Public Health from Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Master of Public Health Degree from Imo State University, and Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, from University of Ibadan, Certificate in Family Planning, Certificate in Research Methodology, Certificate in HIV/AIDS/STIs Counselling and other certificates in related areas. She has managed several health and development programmes. Dr.  Nwufo is lecturer 1 and has coordinated Post Graduate programmes in the Department of Public Health, Federal University of Technology, Owerri. She has over twenty five (25) publications to her credit.

Posted by: DR. CHINYERE REGINA NWUFO, LECTURER, FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, OWERRI, Nigeria (26-Jan-2020)