title: Community-Based Diabetes Screening and Risk Assessment in Rural West Virginia.
abstract: This project utilized a cross-sectional study design to assess diabetes risk among 540 individuals from 12 counties using trained extension agents and community organizations in West Virginia. Individuals were screened for diabetes using (1) the validated 7-item diabetes risk assessment survey and (2) hemoglobin A1c tests. Demographic and lifestyle behaviors were also collected. The average age, body mass index, and A1c were 51.2 ± 16.4, 31.1 ± 7.5, and 5.8 ± 0.74, respectively. The majority were females, Non-Hispanic Whites with no prior diagnosis of diabetes. Screenings showed that 61.8% of participants were at high risk for diabetes. Family history of diabetes (siblings or parents), overweight or obese status, sedentary lifestyle, and older age were commonly prevalent risk factors. Higher risk scores computed from the 7-item questions correlated positively with higher A1c (r = 0.221, P < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analyses, higher diabetes risk was predicted by obesity, older age, family history of hypertension, and gestational diabetes. Females were 4 times at higher risk than males. The findings indicated that community-based screenings were an effective way to assess diabetes risk in rural West Virginia. Linking diabetes screenings with referrals to lifestyle programs for high risk individuals can help reduce the burden of diabetes in the state.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences, Robert C Byrd Health Science Center, School of Public Health, West Virginia University, 3313A, Morgantown, WV 26506-9190, USA.
authors.forename: Ranjita
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Misra
authors.affiliation: Programs and Research, Extension Service, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 6031, 812 Knapp Hall, Morgantown, WV 26506-6031, USA.
authors.forename: Cindy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Fitch
authors.affiliation: WVU Extension Service, Lincoln and Boone Counties Extension Agent, Hamlin, WV, USA.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: WVU Extension Services, 815 Alderson Street, Williamson, WV 25661, USA.
authors.forename: Dana
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014903:West Virginia
chemical_list: D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin; C517652:hemoglobin A1c protein, human