Factors Associated with Mitigation Measures of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among the Elderly Population Attending Kicukiro Health Centers, Rwanda
Abstract
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a growing public health challenge among elderly populations, with effective prevention and control depending on adherence to recommended mitigation measures. This study determined the prevalence of, and factors associated with, low uptake of mitigation measures for the prevention and control of T2DM among elderly populations attending Kicukiro Sector Health Centers, Rwanda. A descriptive cross-sectional mixed-methods design was used among 307 elderly participants (aged 50 years and above) attending Gatenga and Kicukiro Health Centers, selected using stratified random sampling. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through KoboToolbox and analysed in SPSS version 28 using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and analysed thematically. Of the 307 participants, 96 (31.3%) had been diagnosed with T2DM. Most participants, 234 (76.2%), showed low uptake of preventive measures, while 71.9% of those diagnosed with T2DM showed low uptake of control measures. Education level, occupation, monthly income, health insurance status, distance to the health facility, long waiting times, and family support independently predicted low preventive uptake in multivariate analysis. Qualitative findings identified physical and health-related challenges, individual beliefs about diabetes, socioeconomic and social-support limitations, and healthcare accessibility barriers as key perceived obstacles. Low uptake of diabetes mitigation measures among the elderly is shaped by interconnected individual, social, economic, and health-system factors rather than any single cause. Strengthening diabetes education, reducing waiting times, improving healthcare accessibility, and reinforcing family and community support systems may improve diabetes prevention and control in this population.