Abstract
Objectives
Saudi Arabia has a very high rate of chronic illnesses, especially hypertension (HTN) and diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and control of diabetes and hypertension among employees at a university in Saudi Arabia, including the associated risk factors, and to evaluate the need for early screening among these individuals.
Methods
This retrospective study used data from the first aid training program. In total, there were 3964 employees who completed the program, and only 1000 employees were enrolled. The program was conducted at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Blood pressure (BP), random blood sugar, and body mass index (BMI) were measured in all employees. Descriptive data, including mean, standard deviation (SD), crosstab, chi-square, and linear regression, were analyzed. Categorical variables were described using frequencies and percentages.
Results
The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was 31% and 5%. There were 365 males and 635 females. Employees with risk factors such as gender, age, and body mass index had significant effects on having high blood pressure and random blood glucose measurements. Of the employees who reported being free from chronic diseases, 2.9% had abnormal random blood glucose readings (prediabetic and diabetic ranges), while 37.4% had abnormal blood pressure readings (prehypertensive and hypertensive ranges).
Conclusion
The high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes reflects the crucial role of early screening in diabetes and hypertension protocols and raising awareness regarding protocol implementation in Saudi Arabia to improve quality of life (QoL) at the individual and community levels.