Correlates of type 2 diabetes and glycaemic control in adults in Saudi Arabia a secondary data analysis of the Saudi health interview survey.

Background: There is evidence that type 2 diabetes self-management programmes may have a positive impact on health outcomes of adults living in Gulf countries. However, none of the programmes evaluated were developed using evidence about the specific needs of adults with Type 2 diabetes living in the Gulf countries. This study is part of a wider programme of research, which uses a cultural adaptation framework to generate information on how to tailor type 2 diabetes self-management to the Saudi context.

Methods: Secondary data analysis of the Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS) (N = 10,821) was conducted. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression modelling assessed factors associated with type 2 diabetes and its control / self-management including sociodemographic factors (e.g. age, gender), lifestyle (e.g. diet, physical activity), and health seeking behaviours (e.g. chronic illnesses, health services).

Results: 7% (N = 808) of all participants had type 2 diabetes (59% male), however it represents 35% at or above 55 years. In multivariate analysis at older age, being overweight or obese, male, having hypertension, and reporting a reduction in health status in the 12 months prior to questionnaire completion, were significantly associated with having type 2 diabetes. Participants who reported walking for more than 10 min per day were less likely to report type 2 diabetes. Unexpectedly there was a significant association between type 2 diabetes and lower frequency of fast food intake, while increased fruit and vegetable intake was associated with poor glycaemic control.

Conclusions: Being overweight and/or hypertensive are concomitant with type 2 diabetes in Saudi Arabia. Any self-management programmes for type 2 diabetes patients with either of these conditions should be tailored accordingly. Walking behaviours should be prioritised in Saudi self-management programmes. Prediabetes management programmes may be of special importance to the Saudi community.