Relationship between material needs security and clinical outcomes in adults with type 2 diabetes in Lebanon

Background: Despite their documented significance in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) management, social determinants of health (SDOHs) including material needs security are poorly studied in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This study aims to assess the relation between material needs security and clinical outcomes in Lebanese adults with T2DM. Methods: Subjects with T2DM (n = 300) were recruited; demographic and material need variables were collected using self-reported questionnaires. Measured clinical outcomes included Hemoglobin A1c (A1C), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Regression models were used to examine associations between material needs security and clinical outcomes, controlling for relevant confounding variables. Results: Most of the participants were men, married and with lower education levels. Having higher material needs security and being employed predicted better A1C levels (p < 0.05), whereas male sex was associated with poorer A1C(β = 0.52, p = 0.03) and DBP(β = 3.06, p = 0.05). Other predictors of DBP included older age and lack of confidence in filling out medical forms, reflecting lower health literacy. Conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of material needs in achieving optimal T2DM outcomes T2DM in the MENA region. Further research is needed to understand potential pathways/mechanisms and options for effective interventions.