Research on DM type 2 complications in the oPt

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). In 2010, 5.7% of the deaths in the West Bank were attributed to diabetes. According to the Palestine STEPS Survey 2010-2011, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus in those aged 25-64 was 12.5%. There are lack of reliable data on the complications, the management and the quality of life of diabetes patients in the oPt. Recently a study of Diabetes mellitus complications, management and quality of life was conducted in Ramallah governorate clinics.

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of selected diabetes mellitus complications, assess the level of control of diabetes, assess the quality of life and self management behaviours and assess health services and needs in a sample of Palestinian diabetic patients living in Ramallah governorate in the West Bank. The total sample was estimated using sample calculations at 500 patients and the sample size from each clinic was proportional to the number of patients in that clinic.

The methodology included quantitative and qualitative components. The quantitative component included a survey on diabetic patients in the different clinics. This included a questionnaire using the Diabetes complication index (DCI); the Summary of diabetes self-care activities (SDSCA) and the Audit of Diabetes-Dependent Quality of life (ADDQoL19). The tools of the physical examination and the lab tests were developed to cover the different aspects of the complications and co-morbidities of diabetes (neuropathy, nephropathy, lipid abnormalities, obesity and hypertension).

A qualitative component included 2 focus group discussions with diabetic patients and 8 in-depth interviews with service providers and policy makers. Fieldwork took place between February and June 2012. Currently the data analysis is being performed and the results will be released shortly. (For more information contact Rula Ghandour rghandour@birzeit.edu)