Genetic and Demographic Determinants of Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Family History, Gender Differences, and Disease Characteristics in Ghana

Background: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus in Ghana presents an emerging public health issue, being fueled by lifestyle, genetic and demographic factors.


Objective: This study aimed to determine the relationship between family history and the type of diabetes and assess the differences in diabetes onset and duration between genders.


Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 1,000 Ghanaians with diabetes selected from various healthcare institutions in Ghana. Participants were chosen using stratified random sampling. Demographic information, type of diabetes, family history, age of onset, and duration of diabetes were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The association between family history and diabetes type was examined through chi-square tests. Age and duration of diabetes between individuals with and without a family history were compared using independent samples t-tests. Demographic characteristics were described using summary measures.


Results: The study revealed that 58% of the participants have a family history of diabetes. Chi-square analysis revealed a considerable interrelation between family history and Type 2 diabetes (χ² = 112.3, p < 0.001). Participants with a family history were diagnosed at a younger age with diabetes (M = 54.2 years vs. 57.8 years, p < 0.001) and had a longer duration of the condition (M = 6.8 years vs. 5.5 years, p < 0.001). More females than males reported having a family history of diabetes (62.4% vs. 52.6%). The rest (61%) were urban residents.


Conclusion: In Ghana, family history is closely related to having Type 2 diabetes, as well as preceding the diagnosis and extending the duration of the disease. The gaps in reporting highlight the need for women-sensitive diabetes care programs. To bridge these gaps, targeted public health interventions, such as community-based screening and educational campaigns, should be implemented to raise awareness and promote early diagnosis, especially among high-risk families.