Reasons for the increase in the incidence of diabetes mellitus in Pemba, Mozambique

Abstract

Introduction: Despite diabetes mellitus being a condition whose treatment, causes, and consequences are wellknown, its prevalence continues to increase, with an incidence comparable to that of epidemics.

Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMII) who visit the Pemba Hospital in Mozambique adhere to the recommended treatment and have the socioeconomic conditions to follow the diet recommended for controlling their condition.

Results: This case study included 28 patients, using a food frequency questionnaire and questions related to the patients’ daily lives. The results were related to the dependent variable of social class. It was found that patients adhere to the recommended treatment, but there is a general difficulty in accessing food regardless of the respondents’ social class. It was also found that there is a high level of awareness among the respondents regarding DMII and its treatment.

Conclusion: The socioeconomic conditions of the study population determine their level of adherence to DMII, especially regarding adopting a diet favorable to controlling the condition.