P-11: Assessing sex and age group vulnerability to loss to Follow-Up and mortality in type 1 diabetes patients in Tanzania
R Nyarubamba, F Nyoni, K RamaiyaAbstract
Introduction
Type 1 diabetes represents a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where access to healthcare can be limited. Understanding the demographic factors that contribute to loss to follow-up and mortality is essential for improving patient outcomes and healthcare strategies.
Objectives
This study aims to assess which sex and age groups at the time of diagnosis are at higher risk for loss to follow-up and mortality among Type 1 diabetes patients in Tanzania.
Methods
This retrospective study analysed records of 5,817 (2,870 female) T1DM patients registered in a nationwide database between 2005 and 2024. Descriptive statistics were employed to assess he distribution of loss to follow-up and mortality rates by age cohort and sex. Chi-square tests were used to assess the significance of differences in loss to follow-up and mortality rates across different age groups and sexes. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to analyse the associations between age at diagnosis, sex, and the risks of loss to follow-up and mortality.
Results
Losses to follow-up were 43.5%, 27.7%, and 5.43% for the ages 0-10, 11-20, and 21+ years, respectively. The percentage of loss to follow-up was 29.1% for females and 28.5% for males, not statistically significant (p-value = 0.579). Mortality rates varied significantly between age groups: 4.23%, 6.15%, and 3.54% for the groups 0-10, 11-20, and 21+ years, respectively (p-value = 0.001). The mortality rate was higher in females (6.5%) compared to males (4.1%) (p=0.000).
Conclusions
Females and older patients are particularly vulnerable to adverse outcomes, necessitating gender and age-sensitive interventions for the care of Type 1 diabetes patients, including enhanced education on diabetes management and peer support networks to encourage adherence to follow-up appointments.