Distribution and correlates of total impaired fasting glucose in Oman.

To determine the distribution and correlates of total impaired fasting glucose in Oman, we conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1968 households with 7011 eligible residents in 2000. During face-to-face interviews, demographic data, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, serum cholesterol, weight, height and waist and hip measurements were obtained. Of 5788 subjects tested for total impaired fasting glucose (response rate: 83%), crude prevalence was 17.3% and age-adjusted prevalence was 20.3%. Associated factors in bivariate analysis were older age, male gender, lower education, hypercholesterolaemia, being married, obesity, abnormal waist to hip ratio and hypertension. Total impaired fasting glucose is a significant public health problem in Oman. Increasing the awareness of health care providers and community through health education is crucial.