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There is a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), in particular those of the sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries. While there is emphasis of primary prevention through promotion of healthy diet, physical activity and reduction of smoking. Secondary prevention of the diseases that include screening and regular health checkup represent an important effort in the control of the disease. In the SSA settings, there is limited information of diabetes screening practices and the associated factors. This study aimed to determine the screening practices of diabetes mellitus and the associated predictors among adults in, Kilimanjaro Region in Northern Tanzania. This cross-sectional study was conducted between February to April 2021. Data collection was done through face-to-face interview using standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire collected information related to socio demographic information of the participants, diabetes mellitus screening practice and the factors influencing DM screening. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics and a multivariate logistic regression model. Qualitative data was collected using an interview guide which was semi structured, the guide consisted of nine open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was used for analysis. The participants in this study were predominantly, young adults aged 50 years and below and more than half were females 238(56.7%). The proportion of ever been screened for diabetes28.8%. The predictors which were significant associated with DM screening included elderly age [AOR=2.03;95%CI: 1.19-3.47; p=0.009]; who reached secondary education and at college/university [AOR=5.45; 95%CI: (2.65-11.23), p<0.001] and [AOR=2.85; 95%CI: (1.06-7.62), p=0.037] respectively; formal employment [AOR=1.87; 95%CI: (1.01-7.62), p=0.048]; family history of DM [AOR=3.93; 95%CI: (2.00-7.74), p<0.001]; and accessibility of facilities for DM screening services [AOR=2.66; 95%CI: (1.41-5.00), p=0.002]. For qualitative findings four themes were described as barriers to DM screening, which are inadequate utilization of health care services, lack of access to reliable information knowledge about diabetic screening and myth and misconception about diabetes mellitus screening. The proportion of ever been screened for diabetes was very low from the study site. The significant predictors for screening of diabetes in this study were personal characteristics such as elderly age, formal employment, high education; other factor includes family history of diabetes and availability of screening services. Unavailability of the screening services, unafordable screening cost to majority and poor accessibility to screening facilities remained the significant barriers for DM screening practices. Community health education and screening programs are highly recommended. |
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