Prevalence Rate and Risk Factors of Diabetes Mellitus among Jazan University Students, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Background: DM is a multi-etiology metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from insulin secretion defects, insulin action, or both, and associated with carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism disturbance. Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was carried out among Jazan University from June-August 2020, to identify the prevalence and predictors of diabetes mellitus among the students. By using convenience sampling, a total of 257 Jazan University students were included. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire where information about the socio-demographic profile of students, body mass index, family history about DM, and their attitudes toward the tobacco used was collected. Data were analyzed by using the statistical package for social sciences programs and then results were presented in tables and figures. A Chi-square test was used for the testing statistical difference of measured variables among the students. Results: The overall prevalence of DM among study students was found to be 30%. The prevalence rate was higher in females than in females. The Body Mass Index (BMI) and age of students showed a significant association (P<0.05) with the prevalence of DM. Conclusion: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus identified among students at Jazan University was relatively high, which mandates the adequate implementation of educational health campaigns targeting affecting social determinants.