Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study of Hypertension and Diabetes Mellitus in Adults in A Rural Suco of Atauro, Timor-Leste

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major public health threat in low- and middle-income countries worldwide. The burden of NCDs in Timor-Leste has been recognized nationally for some years. However, there is little public health strategy to address this issue, especially in rural areas where NCDs remain neglected. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and their risk factors in a rural community in Timor-Leste.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a rural community on the island of Atauro. All adults over the age of 18 were invited to undergo screening for hypertension and diabetes mellitus using repeated blood pressure and random capillary glucose readings. The target sample size was 295, and participants were also asked to provide information on NCD risk factors such as smoking status, betel nut use, and alcohol consumption. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel to calculate the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and associated risk factors.

A total of 320 participants were screened for raised blood pressure and elevated random capillary glucose levels in July 2021. The median (SD) age of participants was 43 (±16.3) years, and 187 (58.8%) were female. The overall prevalence of hypertension (including those with known hypertension) was 25.8% (CI 21.1-31.0). The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 1.26% (CI 0.34-3.19), with just four cases identified. Smoking and alcohol use were the most common risk factors in men, whereas betel nut use was the most frequently reported risk factor in women.

The study indicates a significant burden of undiagnosed and uncontrolled hypertension in rural areas of Timor-Leste. Enhanced screening for hypertension, targeted health promotion, and strengthening of primary healthcare services are necessary to improve the diagnosis and management of NCDs in rural communities. Future research must explore factors associated with undiagnosed hypertension in rural areas.