Comorbid cardiovascular diseases and predictors among adults with type 2 diabetes in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia: a multicentre hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Objective: The burden of comorbid cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its preventable factors in type 2 diabetes is not well acknowledged in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the magnitude of comorbidity of CVD and predictors among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Design: A multicentre hospital-based cross-sectional study.

Setting: Bahir Dar city Administration Public Hospitals, Ethiopia.

Methods: Data on comorbid CVDs among individuals with type 2 diabetes were collected through patient chart reviews. To identify predictors of CVDs in type 2 diabetes, information on lifestyle and psychosocial characteristics, medication and dietary adherence, and disease management status was collected using standardised questionnaires. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS V.26. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05, with ORs and 95% CIs.

Results: The participants' mean age (±SD) was 51.5±10.9 years. The overall prevalence of comorbid CVDs among type 2 diabetes was 27.9% (95% CI 23.6% to 32.3%). Factors that statistically predicted the occurrence of comorbid CVDs in type 2 diabetes were: age >60 years (adjusted ORs (AORs)=2.6, 95% CI 1.1 to 6.6), non-adherence to diabetes-friendly diet (AOR=4.0, 95% CI 1.9 to 8.2), low medication adherence (AOR=2.8, 95% CI 1.5 to 5.3), being overweight (AOR=5.3, 95% CI 2.9 to 9.8), and diabetes duration >10 years (AOR=3.7, 95% CI 1.7 to 8.1).

Conclusion: Comorbid cardiovascular disease is a significant issue among type 2 diabetic patients. Its prevalence is higher in patients over 60 years of age, with modifiable factors identified as key contributors. Appropriate interventions are recommended, including educating type 2 diabetic patients on dietary regimens, medication adherence, weight management, and the benefits of timely healthcare for effective disease management.