Abstract
Background: Prediabetes is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and its associated complications. Within
Africa, the prevalence of prediabetes is approximately 7.8%, with a projected escalation of 8.0% by 2045.
Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of prediabetes and its associated factors among staff and students in
Mogadishu, Somalia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on World Diabetes Day November 14, 2023, at SIMAD University. Convenience
sampling was used to include participants aged 17 years or above. Blood glucose levels were measured using a portable glucose
meter (CareSens N, South Korea), and participants were classified as having normal glucose levels or prediabetes, based on fasting
or post-meal status. Data analysis was performed using R software with descriptive statistics, linear regression, and chi-square tests.
Results: Among 217 participants (mean age 20.95 ± 5.68 years), the prevalence of prediabetes in the population was 15.2% (95%
CI: 10.84%-20.84%). Staff members had a significantly higher prevalence of prediabetes (45.45%) than students (13.59%) (95%
CI: 8.3%-18.8%) (p=0.004). Fasting participants had a higher prevalence of prediabetes (39.39%) than did post-meal participants
(4.64%) (p<0.001). In multivariable analysis, only staff (Adjusted Beta=25.92, 95% CI: 7.39-44.45, p=0.006) and post-meal status
(Adjusted Beta=7.52, 95% CI: 2.91-12.13, p<0.001) remained significant.
Conclusion: The prevalence of prediabetes was 15.2%, with staff and fasting participants showing a higher prevalence. Age was
positively associated with glucose levels. These findings highlight the need for targeted prevention efforts in university settings to
mitigate the progression of prediabetes to overt diabetes and its associated complications.
Keywords: Prediabetes, prevalence, associated factors, university students, staff, Somalia