article · African Journal of Health and Medical Sciences (AFJHMS)
Physical disability is a frequent complication among adults living with type 2 diabetes mellitus, often driven by issues such as diabetic peripheral neuropathy. A cross-sectional study evaluated 337 adult diabetes patients aged 40 and older at Bombo Hospital in the Tanga region to determine the prevalence of disability alongside patient knowledge and prevention practices. Measurements were gathered using a structured questionnaire and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living. Overall, 59.9 percent of the surveyed patients experienced physical disability linked to diabetes. While 46.9 percent showed moderate knowledge of related physical disability and 58.5 percent carried out appropriate preventive practices, female patients and individuals who had lived with diabetes for five to ten years faced a significantly higher risk of disability.
Type 2 diabetes can lead to severe mobility and daily living challenges if complications are unmanaged. Understanding how widespread physical disability is, along with identifying vulnerable groups like women and long-term patients, helps health services design targeted educational and clinical interventions to preserve patient independence.
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Background Physical disability in adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) often arises from various medical complications, notably Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN). However, inadequate statistical data impedes a comprehensive understanding of the pattern of physical disability associated with diabetes in this area. Therefore, this study investigated the current prevalence of physical disability and its association with the level of knowledge and prevention practices among adult T2DM patients attending the diabetic clinic at Bombo Hospital in the Tanga region. Methods A hospital-based quantitative cross-sectional study design was carried out among adult 337 adult T2DM patients aged 40 years and above attending a diabetic clinic at Bombo Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square, and logistic regression tests. Results The study revealed that 59.9% of participants experienced physical disability associated with diabetes. Approximately 46.9% of participants had moderate levels of knowledge regarding physical disability, while 58.5% demonstrated appropriate prevention practices. Notably, being female (AOR 1.94, 95%CI: 1.14-3.32) and having a T2DM diagnosis for 5 to 10 years (AOR 2.73, 95%CI: 1.40-5.34) were significantly linked to a higher prevalence of physical disability. Conclusion The observed prevalence of physical disability linked to diabetes is alarmingly high. Therefore, there is a crucial need for healthcare providers to persist in educating diabetic patients on methods to prevent physical disability associated with diabetes.
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DOI: 10.59067/afjhms.v10i2.111
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