MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG FEMALE UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES IN SOUTH-EAST DELHI - A CROSS-SECTIONAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Background:
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a prevalent non-communicable disease (NCDs) with significant public health implications. These conditions are influenced by modifiable risk factors such as lifestyle behaviours, physical activity, diet, and psychosocial stress. Female employees, particularly in an academic environment, are a unique demographic due to their dual roles in professional as well as personal life, which may increase their susceptibility to these conditions. Therefore, this study was conducted as a Cross-Sectional Study to assess the modifiable risk factors and their association with type 2 diabetes mellitus among female employees of a university in southeast Delhi.

Objectives:
This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of T₂DM among female employees and identify their association with modifiable risk factors. It also explores psychosocial factors such as sleep quality and mental health to provide a holistic understanding of the determinants of these conditions.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 257 female employees at Jamia Hamdard University. Demographic and behavioural factors were collected on a questionnaire, the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPS questionnaire. Data on modifiable risk factors (e.g., physical activity, dietary habits, BMI, and smoking status), sleep quality (PSQI scores), and mental health (GHQ scores) were collected through questionnaires and anthropometric measurements. Intergroup comparisons were performed to evaluate the associations between these modifiable risk factors, T2DM.

Results: In this cross-sectional study involving 257 female employees of a university in Southeast Delhi, the participants had a mean age of 40.1 ± 7.69 years (range 30–66). Most were highly educated, predominantly Muslim (61.1%), and married (76.3%). Regular health checkups were common, with 83.7% reporting blood sugar monitoring. Despite this 10.9% had been diagnosed with T₂DM, respectively, with 7.4% receiving these diagnoses in the past year. Lifestyle behaviours varied significantly between groups. Tobacco use was not associated with diabetes. Fruit consumption was significantly lower among diabetics (P=0.033), and they also engaged in less physical activity, including moderate-intensity exercise (P=0.017) and walking or cycling (P=0.002). Poor sleep quality was significantly linked to T₂DM (P=0.003), while psychological distress was not significant. Medication use was substantially higher among diabetics (50%) compared to non-diabetic counterparts (P<0.001).

Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T₂DM) among female employees of Jamia Hamdard University, underscoring the critical role of modifiable risk factors in the development and management of these conditions. Poor sleep quality and psychological distress, as evidenced by higher PSQI and GHQ scores, were strongly associated with the prevalence of T₂DM. Public health strategies tailored to the demographic and cultural context can effectively reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.