Abstract
INTRODUCTION: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) were a major cause of death in 2022 accounting for 4 million (74%) of deaths worldwide. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are the two illnesses that are not contagious but linked closely. The objective of the research was to establish the prevalence and risk factors of undiagnosed diabetes among patients with hypertension attending St. Orsola Hospital in Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya. METHODS: the study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design with random sampling. Data were collected from 384 patients with hypertension attending outpatient medical from October to December 2022 using a structured questionnaire. Analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The chi-square test was used at the bivariable level and multiple logistic regression at the multivariable level, with a significance level set at P<0.05. RESULTS: the findings revealed that the age of the participants ranged between 20-89 years, with majority (62%) being below 60 years, where of these participants (66%) were women. Seventy-five percent (288/384) of participants were found to be with no diabetes, with 21 (5.5%) with undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and 75 (19.5%) being pre-diabetes. Significant associations were found between diabetes status and socio-demographic factors, with higher body mass index (BMI > 24.9) showing a strong correlation with undiagnosed diabetes (AOR 3.794 95% CI: 1.345-4.705). Education level was also significant, with lower education levels (primary or below) associated with a higher risk of undiagnosed diabetes (AOR 1.821 95% CI: 2.134-8.567). Employment status played a critical role, with unemployed individuals more likely to have undiagnosed diabetes (AOR 2.845 95% CI: 1.211-6.683). Additionally, lower frequency of vegetable consumption (less than three times per week) was linked to a higher likelihood of undiagnosed diabetes (AOR 2.937 95% CI: 1.135-7.602). Gender disparities were evident, with 62% of undiagnosed diabetes cases occurring in women. These findings underscore the importance of addressing both socio-economic and behavioral factors in the prevention and management of undiagnosed diabetes among patients with hypertension. CONCLUSION: the study highlights a substantial prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes among patients with hypertension. These findings underscore the need for integrated screening programs, targeted health education, and lifestyle modification interventions.