Journal of Education and Health Promotion

Assessment of lifestyle modifications among Sudanese individuals with diabetes: The situation so far and the need to do more

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Ahmed O. Almobarak
. Safaa Badi 1
. Wadie M. Elmadhoun 2
. Samar B. Siddiq 3
. Hanan Tahir 4
. Mugtaba Osman 5
. Sufian K. Noor 6
. Mohamed Suliman 7
. Mohamed H. Ahmed 8

1 Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Sudan

2 Faculty of Medicine, Sudan International University, Khartoum, Sudan

3 Department of Research and Training, Alsharg Ahlia College, Kassala, Sudan

4 Dean of graduate college, University of Medical Sciences and Technology, Sudan

5 Armed Forces Centre for Psychiatric Care, Taif, Saudi Arabia

6 Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nile Valley University, Atbara, Sudan

7 Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

8 Department of Medicine and HIV Metabolic Clinic, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Eagelstone, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Inadequate lifestyle practices among individuals with diabetes may influence
the progression of diabetes and its complications. The aim of this study was to assess the lifestyle
practices among individuals with diabetes in Sudan.
METHODOLOGY: This was a descriptive, cross‑sectional, health facility‑based study conducted in
3 diabetes centers treating individuals with diabetes. The data were collected using a standardized
pretested metabolic questionnaire about lifestyle and were analyzed by performing descriptive and
inferential statistics through SPSS program version 23.
RESULTS: A total of 528 patients with diabetes answered the questionnaire. There were 52.1% of
female participants and 72.9% of urban residents. 23.9% were obese, regular exercise was reported
by 27.7%, and no exercise by 17%. There was a statistically significant association between
lifestyle practices and gender (P < 0.001), age (P < 0.001), educational level (P = 0.002), marital
status (P < 0.001), duration of diabetes (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.001), high‑density
lipoprotein (P < 0.001), low‑density lipoprotein (P < 0.001), and HbA1c level (P < 0.001). Logistic
regression analysis showed male gender and education were significantly associated with lifestyle
changes. Men were more likely to engage in favorable lifestyle practices than women (P < 0.001),
while those with no formal education were less likely to engage in healthy lifestyle (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Health authorities in Sudan will need to put more efforts into education for promoting
self‑awareness and good lifestyle practices in the population with diabetes.

Keywords

Exercise
lifestyles
obesity
Sudan
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 10, Issue 5
May 2020
Pages 1-6

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