Socio-demographic determinants of Type 2 diabetes among adolescents in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Bangladesh is currently experiencing an increase in adolescent obesity, particularly among the upper hierarchy of the society and in urban places. Our adolescents are highly vulnerable to an upper level of Body Mass Index (BMI). Moreover, they are exposed to an industrialized environment created by fast urbanization in Bangladesh. They are also experiencing nutrition transition at the same time. Obese adolescents have a higher risk of being exposed to diabetes as well as other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). Methods: The analysis in this paper is done using the data collected from a sample of 632 adolescents who belong to families of students of American International University – Bangladesh (AIUB). Cluster sampling technique was applied in the selection of sample. SPSS software was used for statistical data analysis. Results: Among the respondents 21.2% are affected with diabetes. The important variables for the higher prevalence of diabetes are residence, age, occupation, marital status and income. Adolescents of different corners of the society was observed and their prevalence of diabetes was assessed based on different covariates. Linear regression model proved the significant association of prevalence of diabetes and the respective covariates. Conclusion: The daily lifestyle of our adolescents should be managed in proper way to have their BMI in the normal category which in turn will keep diabetes away.