Burden and predictors of risk for metabolic complications and risk for cardiovascular diseases among adults with noncommunicable diseases, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Metabolic complications and cardiovascular diseases are the leading contributors of noncommunicable disease (NCD) attributed mortality. But contextual regional data are not available to input to preventive initiatives’ design. Thus, we determined the burden of risks for metabolic complications and cardiovascular diseases, and identified their predictors among adults with noncommunicable diseases in Sidama National Regional State (SNRS) of Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 882 adults with NCD (diabetes mellitus and/or hypertension) from February to June 2023 in SNRS of Ethiopia. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire and anthropometric measurements. Descriptive statistics was used to describe participants and generate results for univariate outcomes. Regression analyses were applied to identify predictors of risk for metabolic complications (RMC) and cardiovascular diseases (RCVD). RESULTS: The burden of RMC determined by waist-to-hip circumference (WHpCR) and RCVD determined by waist-to-height (WHtR) ratios were 85% and 63%, respectively. Being a male [AOR = 0.49, (95%CI:0.29, 0.81), p = 0.01] decreased odds of RMC while no formal education [AOR = 2.45 (95%CI:1.24, 4.86), p = 0.01], no nutrition education or counseling attendance [AOR = 5.10 (95%CI: 1.55, 16.83), p = 0.00], poor NCD risk score [AOR = 2.59 (95%: 1.64, 4.10), p = 0.00] increased it. Likewise, no formal education [AOR = 1.83 (95%CI: 1.11, 3.01), p = 0.01], poor NCD protect score [AOR = 1.55 (95%CI: 1.10, 2.18), p = 0.01], poor NCD risk score [AOR = 1.55 (95CI:1.04, 2.32), p = 0.03] and higher body mass index (BMI) [AOR = 1.62 (95%CI:1.13, 2.31), p = 0.00] increased odds of RCVD. CONCLUSIONS: RMC and RCVD are widespread among adults with NCD in SNRS of Ethiopia. Poor NCD protect and risk scores, no attendance of nutrition education and high BMI contributed to the increased of risks for RMC and RCVD. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.