Risk factors for diabetes mellitus and hypertension among artisans in Ogun state, Nigeria Cathrine A. Oladoyinbo, Adenike Mercy Abiodun, Mariam Oluwatoyin Oyalowo, Irene Obaji, Abisola Margaret Oyelere and Olufunke Opeyemi Akinbule Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Abeokuta, Nigeria, and Abimbola Abosede Sobo Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria Abstract Purpose – This study was designed to assess the risk factors associated with hypertension (HTN) and diabetes among artisans in Ogun State, Nigeria. Evidences suggest increasing prevalence, incidences and morbidity of diabetes and HTN in Nigeria. However, the purpose of this study is to plan and prioritize effective intervention programs, there is need to provide data on the prevalence and risk factors for HTN and diabetes among local groups. Design/methodology/approach – In total 300 apparently healthy artisans who have never been diagnosed of diabetes or HTN were randomly selected from five communities. A structured questionnaire was used in obtaining information on the personal characteristics of the respondents. An adapted dietary habit and lifestyle questionnaire were used to assess the dietary habits and lifestyle of the respondents. The WHO global activity questionnaire was adapted and used to gather information on the physical activity level of the respondents. Random blood glucose, blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were assessed using standard instruments. Chi-square ( x 2 ), correlations and multinomial logistic regression analysis were performed to identify significant determinants of diabetes and HTN. Findings – Mean age was 34.8 6 9.9 and prevalence of diabetes and pre-diabetes were 1 and 4.7 per cent, respectively, while HTN and pre-HTN were 48.0 and 30.3 per cent, respectively. About half (55.7 per cent) of the respondents skip at least a meal daily and 31 per cent snack daily. Most (61.4 per cent) consume alcohol and 65.7 per cent engage in high physical activity. Abdominal obesity was significantly higher among women (p= 0.004). Using the chi-square analysis, age, abdominal obesity and educational status were factors found to be significantly associated with diabetes (p= 0.002; p= 0.007; p= 0.004) while age, gender, abdominal obesity and alcohol consumption had significant association with HTN. Although not statistically significant, respondents were 0.8, 1.0 and 1.1 times more likely to be diabetic with increasing body mass index, waist circumference (WC) and age (odd ratio (OR) = 0.78; confidence intervals (CI): 0.51-1.18; OR = 1.04; CI: 0.89-1.21; OR = 1.06; CI: 0.96-1.18, respectively). Abdominal obesity was significantly associated with HTN (OR = 1.08; CI: 1.03-1.13; p= 0.001). Also, older respondents were 1.1 times more likely of becoming hypertensive (OR = 1.07; CI: 1.02-1.11; p= 0.003). Increased risk of diabetes and HTN was found among respondents with increasing age and WC. Research limitations/implications – This study was cross-sectional in design; it cannot be used to establish a cause-effect relationship between diabetes, HTN and the observed variables (anthropometric characteristics, dietary habits and lifestyle risk factors). Because of the few numbers (1 per cent) of respondents identified to be diabetic several important risk factors could not be included in the model. Practical implications – An understanding of the risk factors associated with diabetes and HTN among sub-groups in the population will help to plan effective interventions targeted at specific groups. Risk factors for diabetes mellitus 695 Received 10 January 2019 Revised 29 July 2019 6 September 2019 Accepted 7 September 2019 Nutrition & Food Science Vol. 50 No. 4, 2020 pp. 695-710 © Emerald Publishing Limited 0034-6659 DOI 10.1108/NFS-01-2019-0007 The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/0034-6659.htm