<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><!DOCTYPE article  PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD Journal Publishing DTD v3.0 20080202//EN" "http://dtd.nlm.nih.gov/publishing/3.0/journalpublishing3.dtd"><article xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" dtd-version="3.0" xml:lang="en" article-type="research article"><front><journal-meta><journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">OJEpi</journal-id><journal-title-group><journal-title>Open Journal of Epidemiology</journal-title></journal-title-group><issn pub-type="epub">2165-7459</issn><publisher><publisher-name>Scientific Research Publishing</publisher-name></publisher></journal-meta><article-meta><article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/ojepi.2020.104034</article-id><article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">OJEpi-104007</article-id><article-categories><subj-group subj-group-type="heading"><subject>Articles</subject></subj-group><subj-group subj-group-type="Discipline-v2"><subject>Medicine&amp;Healthcare</subject></subj-group></article-categories><title-group><article-title>
 
 
  Modifiable Behavioral Risk Factors Associated with Biological Risk Factors in Subjects at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Benin: PREDIBE Study
 
</article-title></title-group><contrib-group><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Clemence</surname><given-names>Germaine Metonnou</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref><xref ref-type="corresp" rid="cor1"><sup>*</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Colette</surname><given-names>Sylvie Azandjeme</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Bio</surname><given-names>Nigan Issiako</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2"><sup>2</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Charles</surname><given-names>Jerome Sossa</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Ghislain</surname><given-names>Emmanuel Sopoh</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3"><sup>3</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Moussiliou</surname><given-names>Noël Paraïso</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib><contrib contrib-type="author" xlink:type="simple"><name name-style="western"><surname>Victoire</surname><given-names>Agueh</given-names></name><xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1"><sup>1</sup></xref></contrib></contrib-group><aff id="aff1"><addr-line>Health Promotion Department, Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff2"><addr-line>Laboratory Sports Performance, Health and Evaluation, National Institute of Youth, Physical Education and Sport (INJEPS), University of Abomey-Calavi (UAC), Porto-Novo, Benin</addr-line></aff><aff id="aff3"><addr-line>Environment and Health Department, Regional Institute of Public Health, University of Abomey-Calavi, Abomey-Calavi, Benin</addr-line></aff><pub-date pub-type="epub"><day>03</day><month>09</month><year>2020</year></pub-date><volume>10</volume><issue>04</issue><fpage>432</fpage><lpage>445</lpage><history><date date-type="received"><day>26,</day>	<month>August</month>	<year>2020</year></date><date date-type="rev-recd"><day>7,</day>	<month>November</month>	<year>2020</year>	</date><date date-type="accepted"><day>10,</day>	<month>November</month>	<year>2020</year></date></history><permissions><copyright-statement>&#169; Copyright  2014 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. </copyright-statement><copyright-year>2014</copyright-year><license><license-p>This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</license-p></license></permissions><abstract><p>
 
 
  Introduction: Type 2 diabetes is a major public health problem worldwide. This study aimed at identifying modifiable behavioral risk factors associated with biological factors in people at risk of type 2 diabetes which could be targeted in the design and implementation of appropriate interventions to prevent the disease. 
  Methods: 180 subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes (aged 15 - 60 years) were identified and selected at random during a preliminary survey conducted in two groups of villages in northeastern Benin. The study took part on August 2017. Questionnaires were administered to consenting subjects; anthropometric measurements taken and blood samples withdrawn. Blood samples were subjected to biochemical testing according to standard protocols. 
  Results: Data was obtained from 180 subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes. The average age of the subjects was 42.76 &#177; 11.30 years. Multivariate analysis showed inadequate dietary intake score, low physical activity and tobacco use as behavioral factors significantly associated with high waist circumference, high blood sugar, low HDL cholesterol, high triglyceride levels and high body fat percentage. 
  Conclusion: There is a possible association between biological and behavioral risk factors.
 
</p></abstract><kwd-group><kwd>Modifiable Risk Factors</kwd><kwd> Type 2 Diabetes</kwd><kwd> Benin</kwd></kwd-group></article-meta></front><body><sec id="s1"><title>1. Introduction</title><p>Several reports from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) have announced the progression of the diabetes pandemic and its threat to public health [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref1">1</xref>]. On the other hand, there is strong evidence that lifestyle-based interventions reduce the incidence or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in high-risk individuals. A 30% to 60% decrease in the incidence of type 2 diabetes in subjects with pre-diabetes, following interventions targeting structured behavioral approaches to lifestyle changes in India has been shown [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref2">2</xref>]. Furthermore, studies have shown that diets characterized by high consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and poultry and by a decrease in consumption of red and processed meats, high-fat dairy products, processed foods [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref3">3</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref4">4</xref>] and sugary drinks can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in the general population by 20% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref5">5</xref>]. Smoking status and even exposure to a smoking environment are associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref6">6</xref>]. However, moderate alcohol consumption would have a protective effect on type 2 diabetes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref7">7</xref>]. In view of these findings, it seems appropriate to study the association between behavioral risk factors and biological risk factors for type 2 diabetes in order to better design and implement a prevention intervention in northeastern Benin.</p></sec><sec id="s2"><title>2. Framework and Methods</title><sec id="s2_1"><title>2.1. Study Framework</title><p>This cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study which took place in August 2017 as part of the “PreDiBe” project initiated by IRSP (Regional Institute of Public Health) and WDF (world Diabetes Fondation) was conducted in the municipality of Tchaourou. This municipality is located in the north-east of Benin, covers an area of approximately 7256 km<sup>2</sup> and has a population of 222,138 inhabitants [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref8">8</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s2_2"><title>2.2. Study Population</title><p>A group of six villages (Tchatchou, T&#233;kparou, Worogui Tchaourou Bad&#233;kparou centre and Kinnoukpanou) in the municipality of Tchaourou was randomly selected from the 36 villages in the municipality. Study participants were consenting subjects aged 15 to 60 years, of both sexes, at risk of T2DM and have been permanently resident in the commune of Tchaourou for at least six months. These at-risk subjects were identified previously in a baseline survey using the questionnaire “Findrisc” (the investigators went from house to house in the six villages to administer Findrisc to all subjects meeting the inclusion criteria). At the end of the administration of the questionnaire, scores were calculated for each participant. A score ≥ 12 was indicative of being at a high risk of type 2 diabetes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref9">9</xref>]. Following the administration of the questionnaire, personne-at risk were given an appointment for venous blood samples were collected from the participants. Pregnant and breastfeeding women, individuals with medical conditions preventing questionnaire administration, taking of anthropometric measurements and non-consenting individuals were excluded from the study.</p></sec><sec id="s2_3"><title>2.3. Sample Size</title><p>The number of at risk individuals for type 2 diabetes found in the six villages totaled 720. For this study, 25% (180) of these individuals were selected using simple random sampling method.</p></sec><sec id="s2_4"><title>2.4. Data Collection and Sample Collection</title><p>A standardized questionnaire was administered to participants to capture data on socio-demographics, dietary habits, physical activity level, smoking status and alcohol consumption level. More so, anthropometric measurements (weight, standing height, waist circumference, fat mass percentage) as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure readings were taken. Blood samples were taken (4 ml of blood in a labelled 5 ml plain tube and 4 ml of blood in a 5 ml blood glucose tube) from participants in fasting state and temporarily stored in a transport box with cold accumulators and then transferred to the municipal health centre laboratory. On arrival, they were centrifuged, aliquoted into Eppendorf micro tubes and stored at −20˚C before being transferred to the Public Health Laboratory of the Comlan Alfred QUENUM Regional Institute of Public Health (IRSP- CAQ) for biochemical/biological measurements such as fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.</p></sec><sec id="s2_5"><title>2.5. Study Variables</title><p>These included modifiable biological and behavioral risk factors such as: blood glucose, blood pressure, triglyceridemia, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, body mass index, waist circumference, body fat percentage, dietary profile, physical activity level, alcohol and tobacco consumption status</p><p>- modifiable biological risk factors which are: blood sugar, blood pressure, triglyceridemia, blood levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, body mass index, waist circumference, percentage of body fat;</p><p>- modifiable behavioural factors which are: dietary profile, level of physical activity, alcohol consumption status, tobacco consumption status.</p><sec id="s2_5_1"><title>2.5.1. Blood Sugar Levels</title><p>Glucose levels was determined by the glucose oxidase method in plasma at the Public Health Laboratory of the IRSP-CAQ in Ouidah in subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes, fasting for at least twelve hours. Diabetes is defined on the basis of WHO thresholds. Thus a fasting blood glucose level &gt; 7 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) has been considered as a case of diabetes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref10">10</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_2"><title>2.5.2. Blood Pressure</title><p>The blood pressure was measured in a seated position after a 15-minute rest; the average of two measurements spaced 5 minutes apart will be taken [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref11">11</xref>]. The IDF criteria for screening for hypertension (hypertension), namely: a systolic blood pressure ≥ 130 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure ≥ 85 mmHg, were used to define cases of high blood pressure [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref12">12</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_3"><title>2.5.3. Lipid Profile</title><p>HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) was measured. The risk defining threshold values will be: for total cholesterol (TC) &gt; 5.2 mmol/L; for LDL-C &gt; 3.37 mmol/L; for HDL-C &lt; 0.91 mmol/L; and for TG on an empty stomach ≥ 1.71 mmol/L [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref13">13</xref>]. The direct laboratory assay will concern total cholesterol (TC), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). The LDL-cholesterol will be calculated per difference according to the following formula: LDL = CT− [(HDLC) + TG/5] − [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref14">14</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_4"><title>2.5.4. Weight</title><p>The weight was measured on an empty stomach, with the participant wearing the minimum amount of clothing [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref15">15</xref>] and empty pockets. The scale will be calibrated every day at the beginning of each series of measurements.</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_5"><title>2.5.5. Size</title><p>It was taken with a vertical tape measure in all subjects, according to the WHO procedure [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref16">16</xref>]. The subjects were standing on a flat surface with feet together. After making sure that the heels, buttocks, back and neck are in contact with the vertical support, the subject’s gaze will be directed in a horizontal plane (Frankfort plane).</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_6"><title>2.5.6. Overweight</title><p>The body mass index (BMI = weight/height<sup>2</sup>) is the indicator that defined the overall obesity of the study participants. A BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m<sup>2</sup> defines overweight while a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m<sup>2</sup> defines obesity [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref17">17</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_7"><title>2.5.7. Percentage of Body Fat</title><p>The percentage of body fat is the index that was used to assess the proportion of adipose tissue in relation to that of muscle tissue in the subjects of the study. It was measured in the subject in light clothing and without shoes on. The percentage of fat mass is the quotient of fat mass on the total weight. A threshold of 33% for women and 25% for men defines a high percentage of fat mass according to Jackson [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref18">18</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_8"><title>2.5.8. Abdominal Obesity</title><p>The waist circumference was measured using a graduated, non-stretchable flexible tape. It was placed halfway between the last rib and the upper end of the iliac crest on the same side [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref19">19</xref>]. The thresholds of the IDF [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref1">1</xref>]: 94 cm in men and 80 cm in women, was used in order to be able to detect all persons at risk of abdominal obesity.</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_9"><title>2.5.9. Eating Habits</title><p>The participants’ eating habits was collected by means of a questionnaire. For each participant, the questionnaire documented the daily frequency of food consumption, the number of days per week, and then the number of weeks in a month, of the following ten food groups: cereals, pulses, tubers, oilseeds, dairy products, animal proteins, oils, vegetables, fruits, beverages. The questionnaire also provided information on the consumption of “local fast-food type” foods (bean, wheat, maize, peanut, cassava, fried yam and potato fritters, fried banana, etc.), “western fast-food type” foods, salt and sugar consumption habits.</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_10"><title>2.5.10. Level of Physical Activity</title><p>Information on physical activity was collected through a questionnaire based on the WHO’s chronic disease surveillance questionnaire. The intensity of physical activity was evaluated according to the energy expenditure induced. A distinction was made between low, moderate and high intensity activities [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref20">20</xref>]. On the basis of the weekly frequency, the average duration of activity sessions and the WHO recommendations, namely a minimum of 30 minutes per day of moderate-intensity physical activity as a means of preventing CVD [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref21">21</xref>], the subjects were classified into three groups: slightly active subjects, moderately active subjects and active subjects.</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_11"><title>2.5.11. Alcohol Consumption</title><p>Information on alcohol consumption was obtained by questionnaire. The questions used were taken from the WHO’s STEPwise instrument for chronic disease surveillance and adapted to the context of the study. These questions identify drinking habits (frequency, quantity), type of drink (wine, beer, distilled beverages). From the information collected, we will determine the amount of alcohol consumed per day and construct an alcohol consumption score. Standard beverage containers were used to help participants answer as accurately as possible: a bottle of beer (33 cl for a small bottle or 60 cl for a large bottle), a glass of wine (10 cl) or a glass of distilled spirits (4 cl). The questionnaire items identified the drinking habits (frequency, quantity) and the type of drink (local alcohol, wine, beer). The average quantity of ethanol consumed (in grams per day) was calculated on the basis of drinking frequency and the quantity of alcohol contained in the drinks (4.4% for beer, 11.5% for wine and 40% for local distilled alcohol). The results were grouped into three categories: zero, 0 g/day of alcohol per day; moderate consumption, ≤15 g/day for women and ≤20 g/day for men; alcohol abuse &gt; 15 g/day for women or &gt;20 g/day for men [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref22">22</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref23">23</xref>].</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_12"><title>2.5.12. Tobacco Consumption Status</title><p>Data on tobacco consumption was collected using the questionnaire based on the WHO model [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref24">24</xref>] used in the STEPwise approach for monitoring chronic diseases. The questions identify the consumption habits of tobacco products, the number of times per day they were used and the different forms of consumption.</p></sec><sec id="s2_5_13"><title>2.5.13. Socio-Economic Status</title><p>Three indicators, namely level of education, individual possessions and occupation, were used to assess the of the study subjects. A maximum score of 2 were assigned to each of these indicators. The total score (score 1 + score 2 + score 3) for the socio-economic le individual possessions and occupation, were used to assess the socio-economic status of the study subjects. A maximum score of 2 was assigned to each of these indicators. The total score (score 1 + score 2 + score 3) for the socio-economic level therefore vary from 0 to 6. This total score was divided into three groups on the basis of terciles (low, medium and high). This score was a proxy indicator of the socio-economic level of households, usually used for demographic and health surveys [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref25">25</xref>].</p></sec></sec><sec id="s2_6"><title>2.6. Data Quality and Validity</title><p>The probabilistic method and the simple randomized, non-delivery technique used optimized the quality of the study results. The tools used for data collection were the questionnaire (WHO standardized tool adapted for this study), anthropometric measurements made with validated and standardized tools. In the same way, biological/biochemical measurements were carried out with standardized devices and all investigators had acquired expertise in the use of all tools. A pre-test was carried out to identify and correct shortcomings related to the questionnaire. The completeness and accuracy of the data collection tools were confirmed prior to entry and analysis.</p></sec><sec id="s2_7"><title>2.7. Statistical Analysis</title><p>The data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 (IBM United States 2012). Quantitative variables were expressed as mean &#177; standard deviation. Blood glucose, triglyceridemia, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol were expressed in grams per deciliter (g/L) and qualitative variables as percentages. Association between each biological risk factor and the behavioral risk factors considered in this study was investigated using Student t-test and correlation.</p></sec><sec id="s2_8"><title>2.8. Ethical Opinions and Authorizations</title><p>The protocol received the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Ministry of Health of Benin.</p></sec></sec><sec id="s3"><title>3. Results</title><p>The general characteristics of the study participants are described in <xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>. The participants’ average age was 42.76 &#177; 11.30 years and 25.6% fell under the low socio-economic status category. Study participants with no education made up 84.4%; while 42.8%; 51.1%; 48.3% and 70.6% of the subjects had low physical activity levels, high alcohol consumption rates, tobacco use and inadequate consumption scores respectively. In this population of subjects at risk for type 2 diabetes, the mean blood glucose level was 1.14 &#177; 0.09 g/L, the mean triglyceridemia was 1.51 &#177; 0.16 g/L, the mean total cholesterol level was 2.10 &#177; 0.35 g/L, the mean LDL cholesterol was 1.19 &#177; 0.26 g/L and the mean HDL cholesterol level was 0.30 &#177; 0.09 g/L.</p><p>The glycemic profile of study participants varied with the risk factors for type 2 diabetes (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref>). Obese subjects were significantly more numerous in the group of subjects with impaired fasting glucose levels than those with normal blood glucose levels (71.4% vs. 26.5%). Less active subjects were more present in the group of subjects with blood glucose abnormalities than in the group of subjects with normal blood glucose levels (87.5.4% vs. 42.6%). Subjects with hypercholesterolemia and high triglyceridemic, were significantly more numerous in the group of subjects with impaired fasting glucose levels.</p><p><xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">Table 3</xref> showed behavioral factors associated with biological risk factors. Tobacco use, physical activity and food consumption score were significantly associated with high blood sugar, low HDL, high triglycerides, and high waist circumference.</p><table-wrap id="table1" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref></label><caption><title> Characteristics of the study participants</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Characteristics</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"  >All (n = 180)</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"  >Males (n = 51)</th><th align="center" valign="middle"  colspan="2"  >Women (n = 129)</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >%</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Mean &#177; Standard deviation</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >%</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Mean &#177; Standard deviation</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >%</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >Mean &#177; Standard deviation</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Age (year)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >42.76 &#177; 11.30</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >43.23 &#177; 11.37</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >42.58 &#177; 11.31</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >BMI (m/kg<sup>2</sup>)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >30.77 &#177; 6.14</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >29.85 &#177; 5.44</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >32.22 &#177; 7.53</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Waist circumference (cm)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >100.23 &#177; 12.22</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >101.55 &#177; 15.12</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >99 &#177; 13.25</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Body fat (percentage)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >30.78 &#177; 11.49</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >29.95 &#177; 9.77</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >32.23 &#177; 13.00</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Blood sugar (g/L)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.13 &#177; 0.09</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.12 &#177; 0.09</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.14 &#177; 0.09</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Total cholesterol (g/L)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.10 &#177; 0.36</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.07 &#177; 0.29</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.13 &#177; 0.36</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >LDL cholesterol (g/L)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.18 &#177; 0.26</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.18 &#177; 0.25</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.18 &#177; 0.26</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >HDL Cholesterol (g/L)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.30 &#177; 0.09</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.29 &#177; 0.08</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.31 &#177; 0.10</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Triglycerides (g/L)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.51 &#177; 0.16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.49 &#177; 0.16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1.53 &#177; 0.15</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >SBP (mmHg)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >142.00 &#177; 21.71</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >143.00 &#177; 20.78</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >142.00 &#177; 20.02</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >DBP (mmHg)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >85.97 &#177; 15.71</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >85.97 &#177; 16</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >85.97 &#177; 17</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Socio-economic level Bottom Medium High</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >25.6 37.2 37.0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.6 8.9 13.9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >20.0 28.3 23.3</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Education None and primary Secondary<sup>1st</sup> cycle Secondary<sup>2nd</sup> cycle and University</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >84.4 8.9 6.7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >20 3.4 5.0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >64.4 5.5 1.7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Level of physical activity Low High</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >70.6 29.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19.5 13</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >51.1 16.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Alcohol consumption None Moderate High</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >37.2 11.7 51.1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.1 3.8 18.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >31.1 7.9 32.7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Tobacco Yes No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >48.3 51.7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >13.8 14.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >34.5 37.3</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Food consumption score Low High</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >72.4 27.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >20.0 8.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >52.7 18.8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>BMI: Body mass index, SBP: Systolic blood pressure, DBP: Diastolic blood pressure.</p><table-wrap id="table2" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref></label><caption><title> Modifiable risk factors by blood glucose profile</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Characteristics</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Normal blood sugar &lt;1.10 g/dl (n = 68)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Dysglycemia 1.10 - 1.25 g/dl (n = 112)</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >p</th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Body mass index (kg/m<sup>2</sup>) &lt;25 25 - 30 &gt;30</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >26.83 50.00 23.17</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >5.10 14.28 80.62</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Waist circumference (cm) Normal Overweight Obesity</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >55.7 10.5 33.8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.6 10.7 85.7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >% Body Fat Normal High</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >54.4 45.6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >19.6 80.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Level of physical activity Low High</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >42.6 57.4</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >87.5 12.5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.002</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Tobacco No Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >89.7 10.3</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >23.2 76.8</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >&lt;0.001</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Alcohol consumption No consumption Moderate consumption High consumption</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >48.5 17.6 33.9</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >30.4 8.0 61.6</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Health food consumption score ** Low High</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >11.8 88.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >64.3 35.7</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Total cholest&#233;rol &lt;2 g/L &gt;2 g/L</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >75.0 25.0</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >37.5 62.5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Triglycerides &lt;1.5 g/L &gt;1.5 g/L</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >83.8 16.2</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.5 95.5</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.002</td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>** “Healthy foods” considered are foods that promote better health according to the literature (30).</p><table-wrap id="table3" ><label><xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">Table 3</xref></label><caption><title> Multivariate logistic regression on risk factors</title></caption><table><tbody><thead><tr><th align="center" valign="middle" >Variables</th><th align="center" valign="middle" >High blood glucose</th><th align="center" valign="middle" ></th><th align="center" valign="middle" >Low HDL-C</th><th align="center" valign="middle" ></th><th align="center" valign="middle" >High TG</th><th align="center" valign="middle" ></th><th align="center" valign="middle" >High waist circumference</th><th align="center" valign="middle" ></th></tr></thead><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >OR (CI 95%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >P</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >OR (CI 95%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >P</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >OR (CI 95%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >P</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >OR (CI 95%)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >P</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Tobacco use</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.004</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.003</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >No</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Yes</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.5 (2.18 - 9.50)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.8 (1.65 - 14.12)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.4 (3.34 - 14.42)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.4 (1.50 - 7.71)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Food consumption score</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.04</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.04</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >High</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Low</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >4.1 (4.40 - 7.66)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >3.0 (1.01 - 7.10)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.2 (3.06 - 12.37)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.3 (1.02 - 5.32)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Level of physical activity</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.08</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >0.001</td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >High</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >1</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr><tr><td align="center" valign="middle" >Low</td><td align="center" valign="middle" >7.1 (4.20 - 9.92)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >2.1 (0.89 - 5.33)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >6.5 (2.54 - 10.12)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td><td align="center" valign="middle" >8.3 (3.58 - 11.24)</td><td align="center" valign="middle" ></td></tr></tbody></table></table-wrap><p>Odds Ratio were adjusted for Age, Sex, and BMI CI: 95% Confidence Interval, HDL-C: High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, TG: Triglycerides.</p></sec><sec id="s4"><title>4. Discussion</title><p>The study examined the relationship between modifiable behavioral risk factors and modifiable biological risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Several studies have shown the relationship between behavioral factors and the development of type 2 diabetes, [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref26">26</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref27">27</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref28">28</xref>] the particularity of this study is that it was conducted as a prelude to the implementation of a primary prevention intervention for type 2 diabetes in at-risk subjects. The results of the study showed that among subjects who were overweight and had abdominal obesity, those with impaired fasting glucose levels were significantly more numerous (p = 0.01); (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table1">Table 1</xref>). Subjects with abnormal blood glucose levels were significantly more numerous in the inactive group compared to subjects with high physical activity (p &lt; 0.001). Subjects with blood glucose abnormalities were significantly less numerous (35.7%) in the group of those with a high food consumption score compared to those with a low consumption score (88.2%). Abnormal blood glucose levels were observed more in subjects with high total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, hypertriglyceridemia and low HDL and this was significant (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table2">Table 2</xref>). Tobacco use, physical activity and food consumption score were significantly associated with high blood sugar, low HDL, high triglycerides, and high waist circumference (<xref ref-type="table" rid="table3">Table 3</xref>).</p><sec id="s4_1"><title>4.1. Glycemic Profile of People at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes</title><p>62% of the subjects in this study had impaired fasting glucose level, according to the International Diabetes Federation threshold (1.10 - 1.26 g/dl). This prevalence is higher than that found in the 2015 Benin StepWise national survey (6.8%) among subjects aged 45 to 59 years [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref29">29</xref>]. A prevalence of 3.1% was reported among the general population in Kenya in 2018, [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref30">30</xref>] and the fasting blood glucose anomaly worldwide is 6.7% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref31">31</xref>]. The value reported by the Buckley study in 2007 (40.04%) in Ireland is closer to that reported on this study. The difference between our results and those of the 2015 Stepwise survey in Benin and those of the 2018 Kenya study could be explained by the fact that this present study considered only subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref32">32</xref>]. Furthermore, this present study was conducted in an area observed to have high prevalence of diabetes (12.4%) and fasting hyperglycemia (24.8) in 2015 [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref29">29</xref>]. The pre-diabetic phase is known as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref33">33</xref>]. It is important to intervene at this critical phase through lifestyle changes to prevent progression to type 2 diabetes. In addition, the results of the study showed an association between certain behavioral risk factors and the biological risk factors for type 2 diabetes.</p></sec><sec id="s4_2"><title>4.2. Association between Behavioral and Biological Risk Factors in People at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes</title><p>The results of this study show a highly significant association between low food consumption score and high fasting blood glucose; high triglyceridemic, high body fat percentage, high waist circumference and low HDL. In addition, subjects with lower physical activity are at higher risk of developing hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high waist circumference and low HDL. Diabetes prevention studies have shown that the composition of the diet is an important factor in preventing the development of T2DM. Epidemiological studies have suggested that the risk of diabetes may be increased or decreased due to dietary factors. Dietary factors that can increase the risk of diabetes include excessive consumption of refined grains, sugary drinks, red and processed meat and alcohol, while food groups with protective effects are consumption of whole grains, vegetables, dairy products, legumes and nuts regardless of weight change [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref34">34</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref35">35</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref36">36</xref>] [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref37">37</xref>]. In addition, the study by Papakonstantinou and al. reported a good match between a diet and blood triglyceride levels in 2010. Indeed, this study highlighted that a low-calorie diet improves blood triglyceride levels in new diabetics [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref38">38</xref>]. This result is consistent with that of the current study in which subjects with a low dietary score also had fasting glucose abnormalities and high triglyceridemic. The results of this study showed an association between physical activity level and blood sugar, HDL cholesterol, triglyceride levels and waist circumference in people at risk for type 2 diabetes. Those with low activity levels compared to those with high physical activity levels were 10 times more likely to have high blood sugar, twice as likely to have low HDL cholesterol, 6 times more likely to have hypertriglyceridemia and 8 times more likely to have high waist circumference. These risk factors are the components of the metabolic syndrome [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref39">39</xref>]. Several studies have shown the effects of physical activity on the metabolic syndrome [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref40">40</xref>]. A study conducted in sedentary subjects aged 17 to 65 years who engaged in 20 weeks of moderate physical activity showed that the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome reduced from 16.9% to 11.8%. It should also be noted that in this study, after 20 weeks of training, 43% of subjects showed a reduction in triglycerides, 16% an increase in HDL cholesterol and 28% a decrease in waist circumference [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref41">41</xref>]. Another study conducted by the Diabetes Prevention Program in the United States showed a reduction in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome after three years follow-up in subjects with glucose intolerance subjected to a low-calorie diet and 150 min of physical activity per week, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome at baseline reduced from 50% to 38% in subjects who underwent the intervention versus 53% in the placebo group [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="scirp.104007-ref42">42</xref>]. These experiments clearly show a link between the level of physical activity and the components of the metabolic syndrome and indicate the value of physical activity in preventing the metabolic syndrome.</p><p>Some limitations in this study include the fact that it was only conducted in northern Benin and in an area with reported high prevalence of diabetes. Therefore, extrapolation of the results to other population groups in Benin requires some caution. Larger studies of people at risk for type 2 diabetes living in different settings will be needed to advocate for preventive measures against type 2 diabetes in the country.</p></sec></sec><sec id="s5"><title>5. Conclusion</title><p>This study is the first to be conducted among people at risk for type 2 diabetes in a context of high diabetes prevalence in Benin. Several modifiable behavioral risk factors were found to be associated with modifiable biological risk factors. This result is of major interest in guiding lifestyle interventions for people at risk of type 2 diabetes. Further studies should be carried out in subjects at risk of type 2 diabetes in order to identify more factors which can be targeted in the design of strategies and interventions to delay or prevent progression to the onset of the disease.</p></sec><sec id="s6"><title>Acknowledgements</title><p>The author gratefully acknowledges the staff of the Department of Health Promotion at the Regional Institute of Public Health. She would also like to extend her gratitude to the World Diabetes Foundation, the staff of the Tchaourou zonal hospital, the municipal administrative authorities and all study participants.</p></sec><sec id="s7"><title>Funding</title><p>World Diabetes Foundation.</p></sec><sec id="s8"><title>Conflicts of Interest</title><p>The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper.</p></sec><sec id="s9"><title>Cite this paper</title><p>Metonnou, C.G., Azandjeme, C.S., Issiako, B.N., Sossa, C.J., Sopoh, G.E., Para&#239;so, M.N. and Agueh, V. (2020) Modifiable Behavioral Risk Factors Associated with Biological Risk Factors in Subjects at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes in Benin: PREDIBE Study. Open Journal of Epidemiology, 10, 432-445. https://doi.org/10.4236/ojepi.2020.104034</p></sec></body><back><ref-list><title>References</title><ref id="scirp.104007-ref1"><label>1</label><mixed-citation publication-type="other" xlink:type="simple">International Diabetes Federation (2015) Diabetes Atlas 7th Edition. The Authoritative Resource on the Global Burden of Diabetes.</mixed-citation></ref><ref id="scirp.104007-ref2"><label>2</label><mixed-citation publication-type="book" xlink:type="simple">Ramachandran, A., Snehalatha, C., Mary, S., Mukesh, B., Bhaskar, A.D. and Vijay, V. (2006) The Indian Diabetes Prevention Programme Shows that Lifestyle Modification and Metformin Prevent Type 2 Diabetes in Asian Indian Subjects with Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IDPP-1). 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