Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Women of Childbearing Age at Unaaha Public Health Center, Konawe Regency

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) at the Unaaha Health Center was recorded at 1.12 per 1,000 population in 2017, increasing to 2.4 per 1.000 population in 2018, and further rising to 4.6 per 1.000 population in 2019. This study aimed to identify the risk factors associated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) among women of reproductive age at the Unaaha Health Center. Methods: This research employed a quantitative approach with a case-control study design. The study population comprised 378 women of reproductive age. A total of 62 cases (women of reproductive age diagnosed with DM) were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Similarly, 62 controls (women of reproductive age without a DM diagnosis) were selected using a matching technique. Data analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test and Odds Ratio (OR) analysis. Results: The results of the Chi-square and OR analyses indicated that obesity was significantly associated with T2DM (p-value = 0.001, OR = 3.561). Similarly, unhealthy eating habits were identified as a risk factor (p-value = 0.004, OR = 3.214). Blood pressure was found to have the strongest association with T2DM (p-value = 0.000, OR = 6.741). Conclusion: Obesity, unhealthy eating habits, and elevated blood pressure are significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes mellitus. Future research is encouraged to adopt experimental designs that explore innovative interventions aimed at reducing blood pressure and blood glucose levels in patients with T2DM.