Prevalence of prediabetes and associated risk factors among peri-urban dwelling adults in Blantyre, Malawi.

Introduction: Prediabetes is a high-risk state for developing diabetes, yet its prevalence in Malawi remains understudied. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and its associated risk factors in peri-urban communities of Blantyre, Malawi. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study design was employed, enrolling 204 participants from South Lunzu, Nkolokoti, and Misesa. Systematic probability sampling was conducted to recruit study participants. Data were collected using the WHO STEP-wise questionnaire. The following data were collected: demographic characteristics (age, sex, education, employment), lifestyle behaviours (smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity), anthropometric measures (body mass index, waist circumference, waist-hip ratio), blood pressure, and Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) levels. Prediabetes was defined as an FPG level of 110-125 mg/dl. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to examine relationships between prediabetes and independent factors. Results: The mean age of participants was 39±13.40 years (range: 18 - 76 years). Female participants constituted 76% (n=155) of the sample. The prevalence of prediabetes was 9.8% (n=20). Participants' characteristics included 3.4% active smokers, 18.6% alcohol consumers, 67.6% engaging in vigorous physical activity, and 81.9% in daily moderate physical activities. Additionally, 24.5% were obese, 53.9% had high waist circumference, and 23.0% had a high waist-hip ratio. Obesity was significantly associated with prediabetes (AOR=8.850 95% CI=1.172 - 29.208). All other variables were not significantly associated with prediabetes. Conclusion: Results from this study reveal a significant association between obesity and prediabetes, highlighting the importance of maintaining a healthy weight to prevent prediabetes.