Routine ECG screening reveals 7.9% atrial fibrillation prevalence in Ugandan adults with type 2 diabetes
Investigators conducted a cross-sectional assessment of 355 adults with type 2 diabetes at a regional referral hospital in western Uganda to determine atrial fibrillation prevalence and associated clinical factors. Using 12-lead electrocardiography and HbA1c testing, the study found a 7.9% prevalence of atrial fibrillation, with independent associations linked to hypertension, HIV coinfection, obesity, and poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥8%). These findings highlight the substantial cardiovascular burden in this population and support integrating routine ECG screening into diabetes management protocols for resource-limited settings.
The original study
Prevalence and factors associated with atrial fibrillation among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital, Western Uganda: a cross-sectional study.
- Authors
- Hersi AG, Sandeyl AA, Abdi FD, Jayte M, Mswelo VE, Hussein ZA, et al.
- Journal
- Cardiovascular diabetology. Endocrinology reports
- Type
- Journal Article
- PMID
- 42571021
Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (Afib) and type 2 DM (T2DM) are common conditions associated with substantial cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, data on the burden of Afib among patients with T2DM in sub-Saharan Africa remain limited. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, clinical features, and factors associated with Afib among adults with T2DM at Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH), western Uganda. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 355 adults with T2DM attending HRRH. Participants underwent clinical evaluation, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) testing, and 12-lead electrocardiography (ECG) for Afib diagnosis. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with Afib, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of Afib was 7.9% (28/355). Patients with Afib commonly presented with palpitations, dizziness, fatigue, chest pain, and dyspnea, with tachycardia and irregular pulse frequently observed on examination. In multivariable analysis, hypertension (aOR 3.027, 95% CI 1.419-6.431; p = 0.020), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (aOR 2.026, 95% CI 1.738-6.538; p = 0.048), body mass index (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) (aOR 3.014, 95% CI 1.242-7.930; p = 0.029), and poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 8%) (aOR 3.813, 95% CI 1.762-8.265; p = 0.007) were independently associated with Afib. CONCLUSION: Afib is relatively common among adults with T2DM in western Uganda, affecting nearly one in ten patients. Hypertension, HIV infection, obesity, and poor glycemic control were significant associated factors. Integrating ECG screening into diabetes care, particularly for high-risk patients may improve early detection and management in resource-limited settings.