Food consumption, type 2 diabetes mellitus and weight status among adults in the Lingwala Health Zone, Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Background With the epidemiological transition, non-communicable diseases are now a major problem, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the population’s eating habits are constantly changing, with obesity and hyperglycemia in increase. This study aimed to examine the association between dietary habits, factors associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus and weight status in people over 18 years of age in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Methods In a descriptive cross-sectional study among 182 adults, selected using multistage probability sampling (Health Zone, Health Area, Household, Individual), a structured questionnaire was used to collect behavioural data. The World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro plus was used to calculate body mass index. Descriptive statistics were completed with the Chi2 test, whereas a multivariate analysis used correlation with 95% confidence interval (CI) with eating habits, glycemic status and weight status as major variables. Results There were 68.8% respondents with high weight trouble (44.4% overweight and 24.0% obese). Up to 14.8% respondents were both overweight and hyperglycemic. Only 14.8% respondents reading labels of paid products was associated with glycemic status (P<0.05). Up to 61.5% respondents reported preparing own food, 54.4% eating alone, 96.7% consuming oils, sugar and sweet products, 92.9% consuming milk and its derivatives, 85.2% meat and fish, and 82.4% consumed fruits. However, none of these parameters was significantly associated with glycemic status Conclusions Stakeholders, including MoH, community, and civil society need to partner in raising awareness for changing behavior and eating habits such as mindful eating, balanced diet and regular eating.