Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Diabetes in the African Immigrant Population of Sacramento County, California

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetes in the African immigrant population in Sacramento County, California. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sacramento County, California, from June to August 2018. The convenience sample included 126 African immigrants aged 21 years and older. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Hemoglobin A1C (A1C) level, blood pressure, height, and weight were measured per standard methods. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ ² test at value of P <.05. Results: Of 126 adult individuals included in this study, 32 (25.4%) had diabetes, of whom 25 (19.8%) were previously diagnosed and 7 (5.6%) represented new cases of diabetes. Also, 36 (28.6%) had prediabetes, of whom 24 (19.1%) had previously been told they had prediabetes and 12 (9.5%) represented new cases of prediabetes. Diabetes and prediabetes were significantly higher among participants in the age group of 36 to 60 years, married, employed full-time, and those with hypertension, high blood cholesterol, and participating in 0 to 2 days per week of moderate physical activities. Only one-fifth of all participants with previously known diabetes or previously on treatment had a good glycemic control status. Conclusions: The present study found a high prevalence of prediabetes, diabetes, and multiple risk factors of diabetes in the African immigrant population, as well as a poor glycemic control among those with diabetes, calling for urgent attention. Strategies aimed to improving a healthy lifestyle in the African immigrant population are necessary to reduce the burden of diabetes.