The spatial patterns of diabetes mellitus in Ghana: A spatial autocorrelation technique

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an emerging health problem worldwide, and low- and middle-income nations like Ghana carry a considerable load. However, DM spatial patterning in Ghana is largely under-researched, hence, effective interventions are difficult. This research analyses the spatial pattern of Type 1 (T1DM) and Type 2 (T2DM) diabetes in the Central Region of Ghana to identify DM clusters (hotspots and coldspots) for resource prioritization and management. A retrospective cross-sectional design was employed to examine 8,992 DM cases retrieved from thirteen (13) hospitals over the period 2008 - 2019. ’The results revealed substantial temporal and spatial heterogeneity in DM distribution. For T1DM, significant clustering varied annually, with persistent Low-Low clusters in southeastern MMDAs (e.g., Gomoa East) suggesting potential protective factors or under-diagnosis, and intermittent High-High clusters in urban centres like Cape Coast Metro, likely influenced by better healthcare access and urban lifestyles. The analysis for T2DM identified more stable patterns, with the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem (KEEA) district consistently emerging as a significant Low-High outlier. Key hotspots for T2DM included KEEA, Cape Coast Metro, and Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira. The study highlights the uneven distribution of DM in the Central Region, emphasizing the role of spatial analysis in public health planning. By identifying high-risk areas, the Ministry of Health, Ghana Health Service and analogous agency must implement can strategically focus screening programs, educational campaigns, and resource allocation in areas requiring intensive intervention.