Diabetes mellitus often leads to long-term complications that significantly affect patient health and survival. Among these complications, diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is the most common and can result in serious consequences if left undetected. Early identification through reliable screening methods is essential, and the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) serves as a practical tool for this purpose in clinical practice. However, information regarding the occurrence and contributing factors of DPN in the Jimma area is limited. This study, therefore, aimed to determine how common DPN is and to explore the factors associated with it among patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) attending Jimma University Medical Center (JUMC) between January 2 and March 31, 2020. A cross-sectional study was conducted at the institution, with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) evaluated using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI). Information was gathered using a structured questionnaire that had been pretested, entered into EPI Data version 3.1, and subsequently analyzed in SPSS version 20. Variables showing a p-value below 0.25 in the initial bivariable logistic regression were included in the multivariable analysis to account for potential confounding effects. In the final model, adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and associations were deemed statistically significant at a p-value of ≤0.05. During the study period, 217 individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were enrolled consecutively. The average age of the participants was 43 years (±15.5). Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was detected in 37.3% of the study population. Factors independently associated with DPN in multivariable logistic regression included advancing age—specifically, 40–49 years (AOR = 3.80; 95% CI: 1.30–10.60) and 50 years or older (AOR = 6.50; 95% CI: 2.50–16.50)—as well as smoking, with current smokers (AOR = 3.40; 95% CI: 1.20–9.50) and former smokers (AOR = 2.70; 95% CI: 1.60–6.80) at higher risk. Additionally, having coexisting hypertension was linked to increased odds of DPN (AOR = 2.40; 95% CI: 1.00–5.40). Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was found to be highly prevalent among diabetes patients at JUMC. Prompt screening and proper management are especially crucial for individuals who are older, have hypertension, or smoke.
