ANEMIA AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS ATTENDING HARARI REGION PUBLIC HOSPITALS, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Anemia is considered to be an important cardiovascular risk factor associated with diabetes and renal disease and also has a negative impact on the survival of patients with diabetes. The co-existence of anemia and diabetes is being increasingly explored as it has a major impact on the overall health status of the patients. However, there is shortage of evidence on the prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among type II diabetic patients, particularly in the Harari region. Objective: To assess the prevalence of anemia and associated factors among type-II diabetes mellitus patients attending Harari Region Public Hospitals, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital based cross sectional study was conducted from February 25-March 30, 2019 among 410 type II diabetes mellitus patients. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Two or three drops of blood from non-dominant ring fingers was collected from the respondents for hemoglobin determination and measured anthropometry of the patients. In addition, socio-demographic and dietary data were collected from each participants. The data were double entered using Epi data version 3.1 statistical software and then exported to Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23 for analysis. Multi-collinearity between independent variables and model goodness fit test was checked. The degree of association between independent and dependent variables was assessed using bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis Odds ratio along with 95% confidence interval. Level of statistical significance was declared at p value less than 0.05. Result: Out of the total 374 type II diabetes mellitus patients included in the study 130 [34.8%, 95%CI: 28.7, 40.9)] were anemic. Being female [AOR=0.28, 95%CI: (0.12, 12.65)], current smoker [AOR=3.34, 95%CI: (1.21, 9.23)], physical inactivity [AOR=3.92,95%CI: (1.86-8.28)], diabetic nephropathy [AOR=2.48, 95%CI: (1.2-5.08)], being HIV positive [AOR=3.52, 95%CI: (1.21, 12.24)], poor glycemic control [AOR=2.48, 95%CI: (1.2, 5.08)] and duration of type II diabetes mellitus > 5years [AOR=2.7, 95%CI: (1.2, 6.02)] were significantly associated with anemia. Conclusion: This study showed that anemia is a common accompaniment with type II diabetes mellitus. Therefore, routine screening for anemia in all type II diabetic patients may aid early identification and correction as appropriate and further studies to know the possible etiology.