Risk factors and chronic diseases (type 2 diabetes and arterial hypertension) in a population of Nador in North-East Morocco

Laboratory of Agricultural Production Improvement, Biotechnology and Environment, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed First University, Oujda, Morocco

^* Corresponding author: salihamharchi@gmail.com

Abstract

Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension are the most emerging chronic diseases in the world and in Morocco. This study aimed to assess the influence of lifestyle risk factors (RF) on the occurrence of Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) in an urban and rural community in northeast Morocco (Nador). This is a cross-sectional study, which took place from 1 June to 30 September 2019 in the frontline health centers. Patients over 18 years of age, consulting during the study period, and consenting were included lifestyle and other variables were studied in a structured questionnaire. A total of 397 adults were included. Among them, 61% were from rural areas and 39% from urban areas. The average age was 40.19 ± 15.68 years. The prevalence of diabetes was 27%, of which 72% were T2DM, and that of hypertension was 18%. The RF listed in this community were ranked in descending order as follows: disturbed sleep (46%), abdominal obesity (35%), eating less than 5 fruits and vegetables (25%) and stress (20%). According to the regression test, T2DM was significantly associated with abdominal obesity (p=0.000), sleep deprivation (p=0.000), blood pressure imbalance and hyperglycemia (p=0.000). While hypertension seems to be more related to stress (p=0.041), and physical inactivity (p=0.000). The influence of lifestyle on the occurrence of hypertension and T2D is not negligible in this community, so it is necessary to act on harmful behaviors (such as sleep deprivation and overweight) to better prevent them. Keywords: chronic diseases, HT, T2DM, lifestyle, risk factors, Nador, North-East Morocco