Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Journal of Diabetes and Endocrine Practice
DOI: 10.1055/s-0045-1810619
Original Article

Factors of Poor Glycemic Control among Individuals with Diabetes in Atbara, Sudan

Sufian K.M. Noor
1   Department of Internal Medicine, Nile Valley University, Atbara, Sudan
,
Elssadig O.E. Sherif
2   Faculty of Medicine, Sudan International University, Khartoum, Sudan
,
Safaa Badi
3   Faculty of Pharmacy, Omdurman Islamic University, Omdurman, Sudan
,
Sawazen Malik
4   Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
,
Hatim S.A.M. Mustafa
5   Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Saudi Arabia
› Institutsangaben

Funding and Sponsorship None.
 

Abstract

Background

Understanding of factors influencing diabetes control is crucial for effective interventions to improve glycemic control.

Objective

We aimed to determine poor glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Atbara Diabetes Centers, Sudan,

Patients and Methods

An observational, cross-sectional, multicenter-based study was conducted from June to December 2023. The study included Sudanese patients with T2D attending care centers. The sample size was 385 participants by convenience sampling. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews by a structured questionnaire.

Results

The majority of the participants were between 40 and 60 years old (47.3%), female (56.4%), married (74.3%), and living in urban areas (74.8%). Patient-related factors, such as obesity (20.8%) and sedentary lifestyles (15.1%), revealed that many participants had habits and lifestyles that negatively impacted health. However, most participants had good medication adherence and awareness of diabetes control (68.6 and 53%, respectively). Many participants reported experiencing a stressful lifestyle (52.5%). Only 51.9% had well-controlled diabetes. Age, medication adherence, and diabetes awareness were significantly associated with glycemic control. Predictors of poor glycemic control included age above 60 years, poor medication adherence, poor awareness of diabetes, and not undergoing regular monitoring.

Conclusion

Poor glycemic control is associated with inadequate self-management practices, a lack of proper education and awareness about diabetes management, limited access to healthcare services, and comorbidities. These findings should inform healthcare providers and policymakers about implementing targeted interventions to address the specific needs of individuals with T2D. By addressing these factors and implementing effective interventions, it is possible to enhance glycemic control and ultimately improve the overall health outcomes of this population.


Introduction

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) accounts for ∼90% of all cases of diabetes.[1] In T2D, the insulin response is diminished, which is defined as insulin resistance.[2] There is growing evidence that insulin is ineffective and is initially countered by an increase in insulin production to maintain glucose homeostasis, but over time, insulin production decreases, resulting in T2D. T2D is most common in people older than 45 years.[3] Diabetes is a major public health problem locally, regionally, and internationally. According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), ∼415 million adults between 20 and 79 years old have DM.[1] T2D is a global public health burden, which is expected to increase to another 200 million by 2040.[1] [2] In Sudan, one publication has shown that the prevalence of T2D among adults has increased to 19%.[4]

Patients with an HbA1c greater than 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) are diagnosed with DM. HbA1c is a convenient, rapid, standardized test that shows less variation due to the use of preanalytical variables. It is not strongly affected by acute illness or stress.[5]

Studies have shown that many factors interact to control blood sugar, including factors related to the patient, the doctor, and the health system.

Concerning patients, self-management behavior appears to influence glycemic control, and diabetic patients should be consistently advised to restrict sugar intake, exercise, stop smoking, and adhere to medication instructions. In addition to health insurance, the affordability of health care services, the availability of health professionals, and good insulin storage influence glycemic control.[5] [6]

Several factors can contribute to poor glycemic control, including a lack of access to healthcare, inadequate diabetes education, noncompliance with treatment plans, medication side effects, psychological factors, socioeconomic conditions, and cultural beliefs. Addressing these factors is crucial in optimizing diabetes management.[7] Intensive medical treatment combined with diabetes self-management education has been demonstrated to significantly reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications by 50 to 75%. Furthermore, this approach is associated with cost savings of approximately $79,280 per individual and can extend life expectancy by an average of 6 years.[8] In Saudi Arabia, Alshahri et al assessed self-management care and HbA1c levels among T2D patients and the factors that may be associated with poor control. HbA1c data were extracted from patients' records. Most of the participants (65%) were found to have poor glycemic control. Glucose management was better in patients with T2D for more than 5 years.[9]

A Sudanese study by Omar and his colleagues showed that the prevalence rates of T2D, newly diagnosed T2DM, and uncontrolled T2D were 20.8, 10.0, and 80.0%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed no significant association between education, marital status, body mass index, waist circumference, and diabetes control. However, older age and a family history of DM were associated with T2D. They concluded that the prevalence of T2D is high among the Sudanese population, especially in older people and those with a family history of DM. The high prevalence of uncontrolled DM in this setting is another hidden burden.[10]

Although many international studies have examined factors contributing to poor glycemic control, limited research has been conducted in Northern Sudan, where unique cultural, dietary, and healthcare access factors may influence diabetes management. Understanding these local dynamics is essential for designing effective, context-specific interventions.

Thus, this study aims to identify the factors contributing to poor glycemic control, informing the necessary interventions to improve glycemic control and prevent related complications.


Patients and Methods

Study Design and Setting

This study was an observational, cross-sectional, multicenter-based study. The study was conducted in selected diabetes care centers in Atbara, River Nile State, Sudan. In general, these diabetes care centers provide comprehensive care and support for individuals with diabetes. These centers are dedicated to promoting proper management of diabetes through various functions. They offer regular medical check-ups and consultations to monitor blood sugar levels and provide necessary medications. They also provide education and guidance on healthy eating habits, exercise routines, and self-care practices to manage the condition effectively.

Additionally, they offer specialized services such as diabetic foot care, eye examinations, and counseling to prevent diabetes-related complications. Ultimately, they aim to increase the quality of life of individuals with diabetes by providing holistic care and empowering them with the knowledge and tools to live well with their condition. The study was conducted from June to December 2023.


Study Population

Adult patients with T2D who were attending diabetes care centers in Atbara within the study period and agreed to participate in the study were included. The sample size of the study was determined through the following formula: n  = ( Z 2 × ( P  × q))/ e 2, where n is the sample size required by the study, Z is the determined area under the normal curve by the desired confidence interval (CI: 95%), and P is the proportion of the main attribute of the study (the expected proportion of diabetes poor control [based on HbA1c] is unknown in the state, p = 0.5, p = 1–p = 1–0.5 = 0. 5 and e = the desired precision (e = 0.05). n  = 385 study participants. Convenience sampling was used.


Data Collection and Analysis

Data were collected via direct face-to-face interviews with the participants using a comprehensive, structured, closed-ended questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, clinical characteristics, patients, and service-related factors that affect glycemic control and diabetes control data.

The data were entered, and analyzed via SPSS version 28.0. Descriptive statistics regarding frequency tables, graphs, and means and standard deviations were used. Bivariable analysis was performed to determine the associations between the risk factors for diabetes control via the chi-square test, and a p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. A logistic regression test was performed to determine the predictors of glycemic control.



Results

Sociodemographic Characteristics of the Participants

Among the participants, 47.3% were aged between 40 and 60, and 42.1% were above 60 years. A total of 56.4% were females, 74.3% were married, and 74.8% were from urban areas. The socioeconomic class varied: 19.5% were classified as low, 71.4% as middle, and 9.1% as high. 15.3% were illiterate, 34.8% had a primary education, and 26.2% had a bachelor's degree. 42.3% were homemakers. Among the participants, 39.5% had no other chronic diseases, and 35.3% had hypertension ([Table 1]).

Table 1

Sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidities of the participants

Characteristics

Frequency (%)

Age (years)

< 40

41 (10.6)

40–60

182 (47.3)

> 60

162 (42.1)

Sex

Male

168 (43.6)

Female

217 (56.4)

Marital status

Single

29 (7.5)

Married

286 (74.3)

Divorced

9 (2.4)

Widowed

61 (15.8)

Residence

Rural

97 (25.2)

Urban

288 (74.8)

Socioeconomic class

Low

75 (19.5)

Middle

275 (71.4)

High

35 (9.1)

Education

Illiterate

59 (15.4)

Primary

134 (34.8)

Secondary

91 (23.6)

University

101 (26.2)

Occupation

Housewife

163 (42.3)

Freelancer

86 (22.3)

Laborer

43 (11.2)

Employee

57 (14.8)

Others

36 (9.4)

Health insurance

Insured

286 (74.3)

Not insured

99 (25.7)

Comorbidities and complications

None

152 (39.5)

Hypertension

136 (35.3)

Retinopathy

11 (2.9)

Diabetic septic foot

10 (2.6)

Numbness

10 (2.6)

Benign prostatic hypertrophy

6 (1.6)

Ischemic heart disease

6 (1.6)

Asthma

6 (1.6)

Arrhythmia

4 (1.0)

Kidney transplant

4 (1.0)

Thyroid disorders

4 (1.0)

Others

19 (5.2)


Patient-Related Factors that Affect Diabetes Control

A total of 20.8% of the participants were obese, 13.5% were smokers, 1.3% consumed alcohol, 15.1% had a sedentary lifestyle, and 30.4% had a high intake of unhealthy food. More than two-thirds of the participants (68.6%) had good medication adherence. Concerning awareness of diabetes control, 53.0% had good awareness. It is worth noting that medication adherence and diabetes awareness were evaluated using a structured questionnaire that categorized participants' responses into “good,” “average,” or “poor.” These classifications were based on participants' subjective self-assessments rather than objective or validated scoring criteria. While practical in the study context, this approach may limit precision and replicability across different settings. The most common form of diabetes treatment was oral hypoglycemic agents (55.6%), followed by insulin (45.2%) and diet control (11.9%). Moreover, 52.5% reported experiencing a stressful lifestyle ([Table 2]).

Table 2

Patient- and service-related factors that affect diabetes control

Factors affecting glycemic control

Frequency (%)

Patient-related factors

Social habits and lifestyle

High intake of unhealthy food

117 (30.4)

Obesity

80 (20.8)

Sedentary/Inactive lifestyle

58 (15.1)

Smoking

52 (13.5)

Alcohol

5 (1.3)

Other relevant

2 (0.5)

None

174 (45.2)

Medication adherence

Good

264 (68.6)

Average

87 (22.6)

Poor

34 (8.8)

Relevant awareness of diabetes and its control

Good

204 (53.0)

Average

149 (38.7)

Poor

32 (8.3)

Diabetes treatment

Oral hypoglycemic agents

214 (55.6)

Insulin

174 (45.2)

Diet control

46 (11.9

Others

8 (2.1)

Stressful lifestyle

Yes

202 (52.5)

No

183 (47.5)

Service-related factors that can affect diabetes control

Received counseling on diabetes care during the visit

Yes

354 (91.9)

No

31 (8.1)

Regular monitoring and testing

Yes

251 (65.2)

No

134 (34.8)

Medication and service availability

Available

286 (74.3)

Partially available

78 (20.3)

Unavailable

21 (5.4)

Affordability of medications and relevant health services

Affordable

167 (43.4)

Partially affordable

153 (39.7)

Not affordable

65 (16.9)

Accessibility of treatment and health services

Accessible

279 (72.5)

Partially accessible

79 (20.5)

Inaccessible

27 (7.0)


Service-Related Factors that Can Affect Diabetes Control

During the visit, 91.9% of the participants reported receiving counseling on diabetes care, and nearly two-thirds reported that the physicians did regular monitoring and testing for them. A total of 72.5% of them reported that they had accessible treatment and health services ([Table 2]).


Glycemic Control

The mean (± SD) HbA1c level was 8.8% (± 2.5). The minimum HbA1c level was 3.5%, whereas the maximum was 15%. In terms of glycemic control, only 51.9% of the participants had well-controlled diabetes, while the remaining 48.1% had uncontrolled diabetes.

Cross-tabulation and chi-square tests were performed to determine the associations between demographic and patient-related factors and glycemic control among the participants. The analysis revealed that glycemic control was significantly associated with age, medication adherence, relevant awareness of diabetes and the control, receiving counseling on diabetes, and receiving regular monitoring and testing (p = 0.037, < 0.001, < 0.001, 0.008, < 0.001, respectively; [Table 3]).

Table 3

Association between diabetes control and related factors via cross-tabulation and the chi-square test

Factors

Glycemic control [N (%)]

p-Value

Good

Poor

All

N = 200

N = 185

N = 385

Age (years)

< 40

28 (14.0)

13 (7.0)

41 (10.6)

0.037

40–60

85 (42.5)

97 (52.4)

182 (47.3)

> 60

87 (43.5)

75 (40.5)

162 (42

Sex

Male

78 (39.0)

90 (48.6)

168 (43.6)

0.056

Female

122 (61.0)

95 (51.4)

217 (56.4)

Residence

Rural

52 (26.0)

45 (24.3)

97 (25.2)

0.705

Urban

148 (74.0)

140 (75.7)

288 (74.8)

Socioeconomic class

Low

32 (16.0)

43 (23.2)

75 (19.5)

0.187

Middle

148 (74.0)

127 (68.6)

275 (71.4)

High

20 (10.0)

15 (8.1)

35 (9.1)

Education

Illiterate

27 (13.5)

32 (17.3)

59 (15.3)

0.532

Primary

68 (34.0)

66 (35.7)

134 (34.8)

Secondary

47 (23.5)

44 (23.8)

91 (23.6)

University

58 (29.0)

43 (23.2)

101 (26.2)

Health insurance

Insured

144 (72.0)

142 (76.8)

286 (74.3)

0.286

Not insured

56 (28.0)

43 (23.2)

99 (25.7)

Medication adherence

Good

168 (84.0)

96 (51.9)

264 (68.6)

< 0.001

Average

27 (13.5)

60 (32.4)

87 (22.6)

Poor

5 (2.5)

29 (15.7)

34 (8.8)

Relevant awareness toward diabetes control

Good

149 (74.5)

55 (29.7)

204 (53.0)

< 0.001

Average

49 (24.5)

100 (54.1)

149 (38.7)

Poor

2 (1.0)

30 (16.2)

32 (8.3)

Stressful lifestyle

Yes

104 (52.0)

98 (53.0)

202 (52.5)

0.849

No

96 (48.0)

87 (47.0)

183 (47.5)

Received diabetes education

Yes

191 (95.5)

163 (88.1)

354 (91.9)

0.008

No

9 (4.5)

22 (11.9)

31 (8.1)

Regular monitoring

Yes

163 (81.5)

88 (47.6)

251 (65.2)

< 0.001

No

37 (18.5)

97 (52.4)

134 (34.8)

Access to medication and service

Yes

155 (77.5)

131 (70.8)

286 (74.3)

0.243

Partial

37 (18.5)

41 (22.2)

78 (20.3)

No

8 (4.0)

13 (7.0)

21 (5.5)

Affordability of medications

Yes

93 (46.5)

74 (40.0)

167 (43.4)

0.422

Partial

76 (38.0)

77 (41.6)

153 (39.7)

No

31 (15.5)

34 (18.4)

65 (16.9)

Accessibility for treatment and health services

Yes

154 (77.0)

125 (67.6)

279 (72.5)

0.070

Partial

32 (16.0)

47 (25.4)

79 (20.5)

No

14 (7.0)

13 (7.0)

27 (7.0)


Multivariate Analysis

Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the main predictors of poor glycemic control among the participants. The predictors included age, relevant awareness of diabetes, and regular monitoring and testing. Participants older than 60 years had greater odds of having poor glycemic control than those younger than 40 years (OR = 2.79, p = 0.014). Participants with average (OR = 4.00, p = 0.000) and poor (OR = 15.78, p = 0.001) diabetes awareness had higher odds of poor glycemic control than those with good awareness. Not undergoing regular monitoring and testing was significantly associated with increased odds of poor glycemic control (OR = 2.66, p = 0.000). Other demographic, patient, and service-related factors were not significantly related to glycemic control ([Table 4]).

Table 4

Prediction of the factors affecting diabetes control according to logistic regression

Factors (predictors)

Categories

Odds ratio

p-Value

[95% CI]

From

To

Age (years)

< 40

1.00

40–60

1.73

0.191

0.76

3.96

>60

2.79

0.014

1.23

6.34

Medication adherence

Good

1.00

Average

1.69

0.089

0.92

3.11

Poor

2.18

0.210

0.64

7.36

Relevant awareness of diabetes

Good

1.00

Average

4.00

<0.001

2.38

6.72

Poor

15.78

0.001

3.05

81.59

Received counseling on diabetes

Yes

1.00

No

1.39

0.495

0.54

3.59

Regular monitoring and testing

Yes

1.00

No

2.66

<0.001

1.58

4.49



Discussion

Diabetes has become a global epidemic, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. In Sudan, the prevalence of diabetes has been steadily increasing, posing significant challenges to the healthcare system. Glycemic control is a cornerstone in managing diabetes, as it directly impacts the overall health outcomes and quality of life of individuals with this condition. Despite advancements in treatment options and medical interventions, a considerable proportion of individuals with diabetes still struggle to achieve optimal glycemic control. By understanding the factors influencing poor glycemic control, healthcare professionals and policymakers can gain insights into developing tailored interventions and strategies to improve outcomes and lower the burden of complications associated with diabetes. The findings from this assessment will contribute to the body of knowledge surrounding diabetes management in Sudan and provide a basis for further research and intervention development.

The mean HbA1c level was 8.8%, with a standard deviation of 2.5%. Moreover, only 51.9% of the participants demonstrated well-controlled diabetes, while the remaining 48.1% had uncontrolled diabetes. This finding aligns with earlier research that has reported suboptimal glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. For example, Babaniamansour et al[11] reported an average HbA1c of 8.5% among diabetic patients, indicating similar patterns of poor control. However, their study was conducted in a different healthcare context, and variations in healthcare delivery, access to medications, and patient education programs may influence such outcomes. While our findings are comparable, the systemic and cultural differences between settings should be considered when interpreting these similarities.

In our study, HbA1c levels ranged from a minimum of 3.5 to a maximum of 15, reflecting significant variability in glycemic control. This broad range suggests that a considerable proportion of individuals are living with poorly managed diabetes. Adham et al[12] reported a similar distribution in their cohort. Although their results parallel ours, their study was based on a different regional and clinical setting, which may have distinct approaches to diabetes screening, patient follow-up, and management guidelines. Therefore, such similarities in HbA1c distribution may not necessarily reflect identical underlying causes or patient behaviors.

Further analysis showed that 51.9% of participants had well-controlled diabetes, while 48.1% had poor glycemic control. This pattern is consistent with findings from studies by McBrien et al[13] and Yan et al,[14] which also reported that less than half of the individuals with diabetes achieved recommended glycemic targets. Though consistent in outcome, these studies were conducted across varying health systems and cultural environments, where factors such as the cost of diabetes care, insurance coverage, and societal norms related to health may significantly influence glycemic outcomes. Thus, while these findings suggest a widespread challenge, the degree to which these patterns are generalizable remains uncertain and should be considered in light of contextual differences.

A significant association was observed between age and glycemic control (p = 0.037), where participants older than 60 years had a greater proportion of poor glycemic control than those younger than 40 years. This finding is supported by previous studies, such as that of Sinclair et al,[15] who reported higher HbA1c levels among older adults with diabetes. Munshi et al[16] also noted that older individuals demonstrated greater glycemic variability and increased rates of both hypo- and hyperglycemia. These findings are biologically plausible, as aging is associated with decreased β-cell function, insulin resistance, comorbidities, and functional limitations. However, it is important to recognize that aging populations in different countries may not experience these challenges similarly. In some health systems, older adults have better access to structured care, while in others, limited support and complex medication regimens may compound the problem. Thus, while the association between age and poor glycemic control appears consistent across studies, the underlying contributing factors may vary by context.

An interesting observation was the relationship between sex and glycemic control. Although not statistically significant (p = 0.056), more females had well-controlled glycemic levels than males. Several studies support this trend. For example, Jones et al[17] and Almobarak et al[18] found no significant difference in glycemic control between sexes, which aligns with our findings. However, contrary to ours, Johnson et al[19] reported better glycemic control among males. These inconsistencies may be due to variations in study populations, sampling methods, and sociocultural factors influencing health behavior. For instance, sex roles and expectations, psychological stress, and access to healthcare services can differ markedly across societies. Additionally, hormonal influences, such as the effects of estrogen on insulin sensitivity, as noted by Mauvais-Jarvis et al,[20] may also contribute to differences. However, these effects could be modulated by genetic, nutritional, and environmental factors that vary between countries.

The lack of a significant relationship between health insurance and glycemic control (p = 0.286) is consistent with the findings of Bakris et al,[21] who also observed no clear difference between insured and uninsured individuals. While health insurance is typically assumed to enhance access to healthcare services, its impact on glycemic control is not always straightforward. Access alone may not ensure proper disease management; treatment adherence, availability of medications, patient literacy, and quality of care also play critical roles. In lower-resource settings, even insured patients may face barriers such as limited drug availability or overburdened clinics, which can compromise glycemic outcomes.

Logistic regression analysis identified several key predictors of poor glycemic control. Participants older than 60 years had significantly higher odds of poor control than those younger than 40 years, reinforcing the age-related challenges previously discussed and supporting findings from Huo et al,[22] who similarly identified age as a determinant of glycemic control. Medication adherence also emerged as a strong predictor; individuals with average or poor adherence had markedly higher odds of poor glycemic control than those with good adherence. Additionally, lower levels of diabetes awareness were associated with poorer glycemic outcomes. Interestingly, while lack of counseling was not a significant factor, infrequent monitoring and testing were significantly associated with worse control, again in line with the findings by Huo et al.[22] These results emphasize that, beyond demographic factors, behavioral and system-level variables play a crucial role in glycemic management. However, the strength and nature of these associations may differ depending on local healthcare infrastructure, patient support systems, and cultural attitudes toward chronic disease, suggesting a need for context-specific strategies in diabetes care. Notably, some odd ratios reported wide confidence intervals, indicating statistical imprecision. This may be attributed to the relatively small sample size or low event frequency, and these estimates should be interpreted cautiously.

Our study also found a strong association between medication adherence and glycemic control (p < 0.001). Participants with good adherence were significantly more likely to have well-controlled diabetes. These results align with previous research, including a study published in the Journal of Diabetes Research [23] and another by McKnight et al,[24] highlighting the importance of medication adherence in achieving glycemic targets. While adherence is a universal factor in diabetes control, cultural attitudes toward medication, understanding of treatment plans, and trust in healthcare providers can differ across regions. These factors should be considered when comparing findings across diverse populations.

Awareness of diabetes also emerged as a key predictor of glycemic control. Participants with average or poor awareness had higher odds of poor control than those with good awareness. This echoes the findings by McKnight et al,[24] who linked a lack of self-monitoring and awareness to suboptimal glycemic outcomes. Again, while the association holds across studies, awareness is shaped by local education systems, public health campaigns, and cultural perceptions of chronic disease, which vary by context and may influence the degree to which these findings are applicable elsewhere.

The findings of our study must be seen in the light of some limitations. First, it was a cross-sectional study that targeted individuals who attended diabetes centers in Atbara. Consequently, the sample may not be fully representative of all diabetic patients within the broader population, as those who seek care at these centers may have different characteristics and management experiences compared with those who do not. Moreover, convenience sampling further limits the generalizability of our findings, as it may introduce selection bias and reduce the sample's representativeness.

Furthermore, using interview-based questionnaires introduces the potential for recall bias, as participants may not accurately remember or report their behaviors and health information. Similarly, medication adherence was self-reported and not validated through objective methods such as pharmacy refill records, which may affect the reliability of adherence data.

Additionally, our analysis did not include various modalities of therapies that could influence glycemic control. The exclusion of certain treatment options limits the comprehensiveness of our findings and may overlook important variables that contribute to diabetes management in this population.


Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing glycemic control among individuals with diabetes. These findings underscore the importance of patient education and regular monitoring in managing diabetes effectively. Future research should focus on developing interventions targeting these areas to improve glycemic control among individuals with diabetes.



Conflict of Interest

None declared.

Authors' Contributions

E.O.E.S. was involved in the conception of the research, study design, acquisition of data, and drafting the manuscript. S.K.M.N. has contributed to the research design and the critical revision of the work. S.B. analyzed the data and reviewed the final draft. S.M. and H.S.A.M.M. were involved in drafting the manuscript and in critical revision of the final draft. All authors have approved the final version to be published. All authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work in ensuring that questions related to the accuracy and integrity of any part of the work are properly investigated and resolved.


All the authors approved the final version of the manuscript.


Ethical Considerations

The IRB of the Faculty of Medicine, Nile Valley University, granted ethical clearance and approval for this research. All participants provided informed consent.



Address for correspondence

Sawazen Malik, MBBS
Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum
Khartoum
Sudan   

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
05. September 2025

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