Prevalence and associated factors of prediabetes among primary health care attendees in the West bank of Palestine: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND

Prediabetes represents a major global health challenge with substantial implications for population health. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of prediabetes among attendees at Palestinian primary health care (PHC) centers and identify associated factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in PHC centers in the West Bank from February to June 2024. A total of 635 participants, representing both sexes, were recruited from six PHC centers, two from each of the three main regions of the West Bank, including one central and one peripheral center per region. Prediabetes was diagnosed through HbA1c testing. Associated factors were assessed through face-to-face interviews using the validated Canadian Diabetes Risk Questionnaire (CANRISK).

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of prediabetes among PHC attendees was 13.7% (95% Confidence Interval (CI): 11.0-16.3%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified several factors significantly associated with prediabetes. These included central obesity (adjusted Odss Ratio (aOR) = 4.2; 95% CI: 1.3-13.9), male sex (aOR = 4.5; 95% CI: 2.1-9.7), older age (aOR = 24.1; 95% CI: 7.9-73.7), and a family history of diabetes (aOR = 4.3; 95% CI: 1.6-12.2). Additional significant variables included unemployment (aOR = 2.4; 95% CI: 1.15-4.9), physical inactivity (aOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.1-4.1), and irregular consumption of fruits and vegetables (aOR = 3.1; 95% CI: 1.9-5.7).

CONCLUSION

The study reveals a significant prevalence of prediabetes among Palestinian PHC attendees, with central obesity, male sex, older age, and family history of diabetes emerging as key associated factors. We recommend that health policymakers integrate prediabetes detection into primary care, and clinicians prioritize lifestyle interventions for individuals at risk.