Factors associated with diabetes mellitus and hypertension among adults in the northern rural area, Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has an increasing trend of mortality due to non-communicable diseases but most studies were conducted in urban areas. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with diabetes mellitus and hypertension in a rural area in Afghanistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted from September to October 2019 including 373 people who were 18-79 years old and lived in Andkhoy District, Afghanistan. Demographic and lifestyle data was collected by face-to-face interviews after informed consent was obtained. Height, body weight, blood pressure, waist circumference, and blood sugar level were measured by the data collection team. A logistic regression model was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus and hypertension was 9.7% and 29.5%, respectively. Factors associated with diabetes mellitus were male gender (adjusted OR [AOR]=9.81, 95% CI: 2.48-38.90), family history of diabetes mellitus (AOR=3.84, 95% CI: 1.30-11.38), low physical activity (AOR=4.53, 95% CI: 1.13-18.26), and high waist circumference (AOR=7.93, 95% CI: 2.40-26.20). Snuff users were negatively associated with diabetes mellitus (AOR=0.18, 95% CI: 0.04-0.75). Factors associated with hypertension were the age group of 40-59 years (AOR=4.22, 95% CI: 1.99-8.95) and 60-79 years (AOR=19.83, 95% CI: 7.19-54.71) compared to 18-39 years, family history of hypertension (AOR=2.17, 95% CI: 1.15-4.10), and palaw intake of 3 times per week or more (AOR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.03-3.38). Lifestyle interventions for increasing physical activity should be introduced and health education about snuff usage and salt intake should be promoted in communities in Afghanistan.