Changes in pre-diabetes and diabetes prevalence and diabetes self-management behaviors across socioeconomic spectra in rural southwest China: 2013–2022

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to uncover the changing prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes as well as diabetes self-management behaviors across socioeconomic gradients in rural southwest China. Methods A two-wave, community-based, cross-sectional survey was conducted. A total of 7,747 and 7,536 individuals aged ≥ 35 years, residing in rural southwest China, were selected using a three-stage stratified random sampling method. Demographic characteristics and self-management behaviors were collected through face-to-face interviews, and physical indicators were measured through on-site examinations. An individual socioeconomic position (SEP) index was constructed using principal component analysis based on three variables: education, annual household income, and access to medical services. Results In 2022, the overall prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes (15.7% and 7.6%) were lower than in 2013 (18.3% and 8.2%) (P 0.05), a higher rate was uncovered among patients with low education level, low annual household income, poor access to medical services, and low SEP in 2022 compared to 2013 (P < 0.05). Conclusions The prevalence of pre-diabetes and diabetes, as well as the rate of taking measures to control diabetes, were lower among the rural Chinese adult population in 2022 compared with 2013. However, compliance with anti-diabetes medications or insulin injections was higher. Additionally, socioeconomic disparities are associated with these Changes.

Keywords

• China
• Change
• Diabetes
• Diabetes self-management behaviors
• Pre-diabetes
• Rural residents