Abstract:
Background: Diabetes is a major public health problem that is increasing daily. This persistent
non -communicable syndrome affects people of high income countries as well as low income
countries of all age groups.
Aim: The aim of current study was to determine lifestyle associated factors of type 2 diabetic
patients at Masaka District Hospital, Rwanda.
Methods: Descriptive, cross-sectional design by quantitative approach was used in this study.
Participants (114) were selected by means of simple random sampling method. Data collection
was conducted from Non- Communicable disease clinic of Masaka hospital after obtaining
informed consent. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from
participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Package for the Sciences) version 21.
Descriptive inferential statistics and chi-square were used to analyze the data. The results were
presented by using tables.
Findings: The majority of participants represented70.2% were males with the age between 51 to
60 years representing 40.4% , 52.6% were self employed, 87.7% were married, 86.8% had
irregular source of income, 61.4% were in 2nd category of economic status according Rwandan
ranking of economic status of the citizens and 48.2% had 81-100 kg, 57.0% of respondents 161-
170 Cm measurements, 66.7% had Hypertension.47.4% shows lack of physical exercise, 35%
drink alcohol, and 43.9% eat sugary bread. 39.5% take local milk which contains a lot of fats.
Almost 72.8% take medications and 64.5% have poor vision.
Conclusion: From the findings of the study, it was found that some patients used to smoke, drink
alcohol, eat rich carbohydrate food and take local milk with high proportion of fats. More effort
is needed to teach the patients how they can modify dietary practices, exercise and managing the
chronic related conditions which can affect the management of type 2 diabetes.
