Prevalence of Microvascular Complications of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Associated Risk Factors at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background: Microvascular complications are common in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and contribute to significant morbidity, especially in resource-limited settings. Limited literature exists on the prevalence and associated risk factors of microvascular complications in developing countries, including Uganda. Objective: This study sought to determine the prevalence of microvascular complications and explore socioeconomic and health clinical factors associated with them among patients attending the diabetic clinic at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 systematically selected patients with T2DM. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and clinical records and analysed using SPSS version 25.0. Pearson's Chi-square tests were used to assess associations between study variables and microvascular complications. Results: The overall prevalence of microvascular complications was 41.0% (n=100). Males comprised 51.6% of respondents. The most prevalent individual complication was cognitive impairment (55.3%), followed by neuropathy and retinopathy (13.2%). All socioeconomic factors examined, including frequency of healthcare visits, physical activity, dietary habits, smoking and alcohol consumption, were significantly associated with microvascular complications (p=0.000). All health clinical factors examined, including duration of T2DM, primary treatment, blood sugar monitoring frequency, HbA1c testing, and hypertension diagnosis, were also significantly associated with microvascular complications (p=0.000). Conclusion: Microvascular complications affect a substantial proportion of T2DM patients at Masaka Regional Referral Hospital. Poor glycemic control, longer disease duration, and high neighbourhood deprivation were the dominant drivers. Targeted clinical and socioeconomic interventions are urgently needed to reduce this burden. Keywords: microvascular complications, type 2 diabetes mellitus, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neuropathy, Uganda, Masaka