Factors affecting the utilization of diabetes screening services among adults in Owerri West, LGA, Imo State South-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Diabetes is a serious condition that has become alarmingly prevalent. This study investigated the factors affecting the utilization of diabetes screening services among adults in Owerri West, LGA. Using a cross-sectional approach, four hundred (400) randomly chosen participants were given a structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was performed on variables and relationship between variables was determined with chi-square analysis using SPSS Statistical Package (version 23). From the findings, a significant degree of diabetes mellitus (DM) awareness existed (90%) but there was poor uptake of screening 82(23%) that was mainly done once in three months 21 (26%) in pharmacy 49 (60%). Preventive health screenings failed to identify early warning indicators of more serious conditions, according to the majority. Over 50% of them consented to attend a health screening if and when they experience bodily discomfort, whereas 79 (22%) did not. 198 (55%) were afraid they would discover they had a health issue after taking part in a screening. Similarly, majority of them 151(42%) strongly agreed that early detection and early treatment of the disease are beneficial. Specific factors like fear of diagnosis, poor healthcare provider attitudes 149 (42%), and screening-related discomfort 131(37) are more predictive of screening behaviour than awareness alone. Finally, all demographic characteristics was significantly correlated (p < 0.001) with screening exception being gender (p = 0.314), religion (p = 0.234) and ethnicity (p = 0.617). Therefore, health interventions and education especially in the area of blood sample collection, healthcare providers’ attitudes, results and waiting time will enhance screening.