Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus and Risk Factors in Kota Bharu, Eastern Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31674/ijbb.2025.v02i03.003Abstract
A cross-sectional survey was conducted to investigate diabetes mellitus, a major public health concern in Malaysia that contributes substantially to morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Although lifestyle factors such as high carbohydrate intake, physical inactivity, and obesity are well-established contributors, localized evidence from Kota Bharu remains limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus and identify its key risk factors among residents of Kota Bharu. A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 568 participants recruited from Billion Mall, Kota Bharu. The mean age of participants was 41.6 years. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle habits were collected using questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed to estimate the prevalence and examine associations between potential risk factors and diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in the study population was 17.6%, indicating a relatively high burden within this community. Significant risk factors included older age, comorbid conditions such as hypercholesterolemia and hypertension, a positive family history of diabetes mellitus, a sedentary lifestyle, and lack of physical exercise. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age was a significant predictor of diabetes risk perception (AOR = 16.96; 95% CI: 1.86–154.35), indicating that older individuals were markedly more likely to perceive themselves at risk compared to those aged 18–28 years. Similarly, respondents engaging in less than 150 minutes of physical activity per week demonstrated higher odds of risk perception (AOR = 4.54; 95% CI: 1.81–11.37). These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted preventive measures and community-based interventions to mitigate the growing burden of diabetes mellitus in this population.
Keywords:
Cross-Sectional Study, Diabetes, Hypercholesterolemia, Hypertension, Physical ActivityReferences
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