Neurocognitive impairment and its associated factors among patients with diabetes mellitus who have follow up at referral hospital in Northwest, Ethiopia

Abstract

The prevalence of neurocognitive impairment among diabetic patients at XXX Comprehensive Specialized Hospital was 28.3% [95% CI: 24.57-32.39]. Factors associated with this impairment included being female (AOR=2.29 [95% CI: 1.43-3.67]), rural residence (AOR=3.16 [95% CI: 2.01-4.95]), comorbidity (AOR=3.30 [95% CI: 2.08-5.23]), diabetes duration of 6-10 years (AOR=1.72 [95% CI: 1.01-2.94]), diabetes duration >10 years, and blood sugar level >126 mg/dl (AOR=2.25 [95% CI: 1.42-3.57]). Patients are encouraged to adhere to proper medication regimens to effectively control their blood glucose levels. This study found a high prevalence of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) among diabetic patients, affecting about one-fourth based on MMSE scores. Key risk factors identified include female gender, rural residence, comorbidities, longer duration of diabetes, and elevated blood glucose levels.