Prevalence, severity and factors associated with peripheral neuropathy among newly  diagnosed diabetic patients attending Mulago hospital: a cross-sectional study.

Twaha Kisozi,, Edris Mutebi, Musubire Kisekka, Samden Lhatoo, Martha Sajatovic, Mark Kaddumukasa1,2, Fredrick Nelson Nakwagala, Elly Katabira.
1. Department of Medicine, Mulago Hospital, P.O. Box 5052 Kampala, Uganda
2. Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Makerere University, College of Health Sciences,
P.O. Box 7072 Kampala, Uganda.
3. Neurology Institute, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA

Abstract
Aims:To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) among newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus patients in Mulago Hospital.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 248 newly diagnosed adult diabetic patients. Using the standard Neuropathy Symptom Score (NSS) and Neuropathy Disability Score (NDS) criteria, we screened them for neuropathy. Data on the
socio-demographics, age, duration of symptoms and history of diabetic ulcer were analyzed using a multiple logistic regression.
A p-value <0.05 was considered significant.
Results:The majority of study patients (62.1%) were male. The overall prevalence of DPN was 29.4 %. Nearly sixteen percent
had moderate neuropathy and only five percent had severe neuropathy. Age above 60 years was significantly associated with the
presence of DPN; (OR 3.72; 95% CI 1.25 – 11.03; p=0.018). The history of ever having a foot ulcer was significantly associated
with peripheral neuropathy (OR 2.59; 95% CI: 1.03 – 6.49, p = 0.042).
Conclusion:DPN occurs in 1 in 4 of newly diagnosed diabetic patients in Mulago hospital. Two thirds of these patients had
moderate to severe neuropathy. DPN was independently associated with increasing age. Early diagnosis of diabetes mellitus,
increased diabetes knowledge and regular blood sugar screenings would play an important role in identifying this problem.
Keywords: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy, associated factors, newly diagnosed, diabetes mellitus.