OBJECTIVES: Over time, global health systems have witnessed significant improvements in the delivery and coverage of healthcare services. Nevertheless, the increasing prominence of non-communicable diseases remains a persistent challenge. Diabetes is one such non-communicable chronic disease that poses a threat with respect to both mortality and morbidity. This study investigated the socio-economic determinants and inequalities in the prevalence of diabetes in Saudi Arabia according to data collected from the 2018 Saudi Family Health Survey conducted by the General Authority.

METHODS: The analysis was limited to a sample of 11,528 respondents aged ≥18 years, selected across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia, with complete responses for all variables of interest. Socio-economic determinants in diabetes prevalence were explored with univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Furthermore, inequalities were visualised and quantitatively estimated according to construction of a concentration curve and calculation of the concentration index.

RESULTS: The prevalence of diabetes among the 11,528 respondents was 11.20%. Age, education, income, and residence area were significant determinants of diabetes prevalence, with a greater risk of diabetes found in older participants (odds ratio [OR]: 12.262, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.820–15.313, p ˂ 0.01) compared to younger participants. Inequality analysis showed a negative education-based concentration index (–0.235, p ˂ 0.01), indicating that diabetes prevalence is concentrated among people with relatively less formal education. For males, the income-based concentration index was significantly positive, whereas the education-based concentration index was significantly negative, indicating a greater concentration of diabetes among Saudi men with higher incomes and less education.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasize the need to prioritize policies and strategies for diabetes prevention and control with considerations of the socio-economic inequalities in prevalence. Key areas of focus should include improving education levels across all regions, raising awareness about diabetes, and implementing nutritional interventions.