Co-occurrence of behavioral risk factors of common non-communicable diseases among urban slum dwellers in Nairobi, Kenya

Unmet and unperceived needs for type 2 diabetes self-management among slum dwellers in Iran: a cross-sectional study

AIM

This study aimed to identify unmet and unperceived needs for T2D self-management among those residing in Tabriz slums, Iran, in 2022.

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its complications are more common among slum dwellers. T2D is a lifelong disease that requires continuous care. By contrast, slum dwellers are less likely to adhere to standard health care.

METHODS

This study is cross-sectional. We included 400 patients using a systematic random sampling method. Unmet and unperceived needs were assessed through a researcher-made questionnaire. The questionnaire was developed based on Iran's Package of Essential Non-Communicable Diseases (IraPEN) instructions and an expert panel. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.

FINDINGS

Need for more healthcare cost coverage by insurance organizations (85.5%), financial support to provide medicine (68%), free and accessible sports equipment in the area (48.5%), continuous access to blood sugar test instruments (47.8%), know how to test blood sugar and interpret the results (47.7%), more communication with healthcare providers (42.3%), and detailed education from health professionals (41.2%) were the most common unmet needs. The least perceived need was to know how to care for feet (16%).

Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and their risk factors in an informal settlement in Freetown, Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), especially hypertension and diabetes mellitus are on the increase in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Informal settlement dwellers exhibit a high prevalence of behavioural risk factors and are highly vulnerable to hypertension and diabetes. However, no study has assessed the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and NCDrisk factors among informal settlement dwellers in Sierra Leone. We conducted a study in June 2019 to determine the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, and NCD risk factors among adults living in the largest Sierra Leonean informal settlement (KrooBay).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey among adults aged ≥ 35 years in the KrooBay community. Trained healthcare workers collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and self-reported health behaviours using the World Health Organization STEPwise surveillance questionnaire for chronic disease risk factors. Anthropometric, blood glucose, and blood pressure measurements were performed following standard procedures. Logistics regression was used for analysis and adjusted odd ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated to identify risk factors associated with hypertension.

RESULTS

Of the 418 participants, 242 (57%) were females and those below the age of 45 years accounted for over half (55.3%) of the participants. The prevalence of smoking was 18.2%, alcohol consumption was 18.8%, overweight was 28.2%, obesity was 17.9%, physical inactivity was 81.5%, and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables was 99%. The overall prevalence of hypertension was 45.7% (95% CI 41.0-50.5%), systolic hypertension was 34.2% (95% CI 29.6-38.8%), diastolic blood pressure was 39.9% (95% CI 35.2-44.6), and participants with diabetes were 2.2% (95% CI 0.7-3.6%). Being aged ≥ 55 years (AOR = 7.35, 95% CI 1.49-36.39) and > 60 years (AOR 8.05; 95% CI 2.22-29.12), separated (AOR = 1.34; 95% 1.02-7.00), cohabitating (AOR = 6.68; 95% CL1.03-14.35), vocational (AOR = 3.65; 95% CI 1.81-7.39 ) and having a university education (AOR = 4.62; 95% CI 3.09-6.91) were found to be independently associated with hypertension.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of hypertension,and NCD risk factors was high among the residents of the Kroobay informal settlement. We also noted a low prevalence of diabetes. There is an urgent need for the implementation of health education, promotion, and screening initiatives to reduce health risks so that these conditions will not overwhelm health services.

The relationship between climate change, globalization and non-communicable diseases in Africa: A systematic review

Climate change and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are considered the 21st Century's major health and development challenges. Both pose a disproportionate burden on low- and middle-income countries that are unprepared to cope with their synergistic effects. These two challenges pose risks for achieving many of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) and are both impacted by globalization through different pathways. While there are important insights on how climate change and or globalization impact NCDs in the general literature, comprehensive research that explores the influence of climate change and or globalization on NCDs is limited, particularly in the context of Africa. This review documents the pathways through which climate change and or globalization influence NCDs in Africa. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in eight electronic databases-Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Global Health Library, Science Direct, Medline, ProQuest, and Google Scholar. A total of 13864 studies were identified. Studies that were identified from more than one of the databases were automatically removed as duplicates (n = 9649). Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a total of 27 studies were eventually included in the final review. We found that the impacts of climate change and or globalization on NCDs act through three potential pathways: reduction in food production and nutrition, urbanization and transformation of food systems. Our review contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into the impact of climate change and or globalization on human health. We believe that our findings will help enlighten policy makers working on these pathways to facilitate the development of effective policy and public health interventions to mitigate the effects of climate change and globalization on the rising burden of NCDs and goal 3 of the SDG, in particular.

Co-occurrence of non-communicable disease risk factors among adolescents in Jos, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

The co-occurrence and clustering of risk factors for non-communicable disease (NCD) is a global public health concern.

AIM

This study aimed to assess the co-occurrence and clustering of risk factors for NCDs among in-school and out-of-school adolescents in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria.

SETTING

Secondary schools and markets in Jos North Local Government Area.

METHODS

A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 377 in-school and 377 out-of-school adolescents, aged 10-19 years of age. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on behavioural and physical risk factors for NCDs. Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparisons at a 5% level of significance. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 23.0.

RESULTS

Of the 754 sampled adolescents, 386 (51.2%) were females and 368 (48.8%) were males. Adolescents aged 10-14 years made up 37.8% of the participants, 15 to 17 years of age accounted for 46.9% and 18-19 years 15.3%. Risk factors with the highest prevalence were a sedentary lifestyle (94.2%) and an unhealthy diet (92.4%). Majority (97.2%) had two or more risk factors while 1.9% of adolescents had no risk factor. More in-school adolescents (24.1%) had two risk factors compared to 14.1% of out-of-school adolescents (p 0.001); 14.1% of out-of-school adolescents had five or more risk factors compared to 2.9% of those in school (p 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Co-occurrence and clustering of behavioural and physical risk factors was found among both in-school and out-of-school adolescents.Contribution: This study highlighted the burden of risk factors for NCDs among both in-school and out-of-school adolescents in the North-Central part of Nigeria. This is especially useful in developing targeted interventions to tackle these risk factors.

Perceptions of diabetes risk and prevention in Nairobi, Kenya: A qualitative and theory of change development study

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes is increasing in Kenya, especially in urban settings, and prevention interventions based on local evidence and context are urgently needed. Therefore, this study aimed to explore diabetes risk and co-create a diabetes prevention theory of change in two socioeconomically distinct communities to inform future diabetes prevention interventions.

METHODS

In-depth interviews were conducted with middle-aged residents in two communities in Nairobi (one low-income (n = 15), one middle-income (n = 14)), and thematically analysed. The theory of change for diabetes prevention was informed by analysis of the in-depth interviews and the Behaviour Change Wheel framework, and reviewed by a sub-set (n = 13) of interviewees.

RESULTS

The key factors that influenced diabetes preventive practices in both communities included knowledge and skills for diabetes prevention, understanding of the benefits/consequences of (un)healthy lifestyle, social influences (e.g., upbringing, societal perceptions), and environmental contexts (e.g., access to (un)healthy foods and physical activity facilities). The proposed strategies for diabetes prevention included: increasing knowledge and understanding about diabetes risk and preventive measures particularly in the low-income community; supporting lifestyle modification (e.g., upskilling, goal setting, action planning) in both communities; identifying people at high risk of diabetes through screening in both communities; and creating social and physical environments for lifestyle modification (e.g., positive social influences on healthy living, access to healthy foods and physical activity infrastructure) particularly in the low-income community. Residents from both communities agreed that the strategies were broadly feasible for diabetes prevention but proposed the addition of door-to-door campaigns and community theatre for health education. However, residents from the low-income community were concerned about the lack of government prioritisation for implementing population-level interventions, e.g., improving access to healthy foods and physical activity facilities/infrastructure.

CONCLUSION

Diabetes prevention initiatives in Kenya should involve multicomponent interventions for lifestyle modification including increasing education and upskilling at individual level; promoting social and physical environments that support healthy living at population level; and are particularly needed in low-income communities.

Co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases among 40-year and above aged community members in three regions of Myanmar

Background

Risky behaviours such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables are known contributing factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which account for 74% of global mortality. Such behavioural risk factors co-occur frequently resulting in synergistic action for developing NCD related morbidity and mortality. This study aims to assess the existence of multiple risk behaviours and determine the socio-economic and demographic factors associated with co-occurrence of behavioural risks among Myanmar adult population.

Method

Data were collected, in the context of the SUNI-SEA project (Scaling Up NCD interventions in Southeast Asia), from 660 community members aged 40 years and above of both sexes, residing in selected urban and rural areas from Ayeyawaddy, Yangon and Mandalay regions of Myanmar. The co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors was presented as percentage with 95% CI and its determinants were identified by multinomial logistic regression.

Results

The co-occurrence of two risk behaviours and three or four risk behaviours were found in 40% (95% CI: 36.2%, 43.9%) and 10.8% (95% CI: 8.5%, 13.4%) respectively. Urban residents, men, participants without formal schooling and unemployed persons were more likely to exhibit co-occurrence of two risk behaviors and three or four risk behaviours.

Conclusion

The current study shows high prevalence of co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors among Myanmar adults in the study area. NCD prevention and control programs emphasizing management of behavioural risks should be intensively promoted, particularly directed towards multiple behavioural risk factors, and not focused on individual factors only.

Drivers of cardiovascular disease risk factors in slums in Kampala, Uganda: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are increasing in many sub-Saharan African countries and disproportionately affecting communities in urban slums. Despite this, the contextual factors that influence CVD risk among slum communities have not been fully documented to guide interventions to prevent and control the disease.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the drivers of CVD risk factors in slums in Kampala, Uganda.

METHODS

This qualitative study employed focus group discussions (FGDs) to collect data among slum residents. A total of 10 FGDs separate for gender and age group were held in community public places. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and transcripts analysed thematically with the aid of Atlas ti 7.0. Study themes and sub-themes are presented supported by participant quotations.

RESULTS

Five themes highlighted the drivers of CVD risk factors in slum communities. (1) Poverty: a critical underlying factor which impacted access and choice of food, work, and housing. (2) Poverty-induced stress: a key intermediate factor that led to precarious living with smoking and alcohol use as coping measures. (3) The social environment which included socialisation through drinking and smoking, and family and peers modelling behaviours. (4) The physical environment such as the high availability of affordable alcohol and access to amenities for physical activity and healthy foods. (5) Knowledge and information about CVD risk factors which included understanding of a healthy diet and the dangers of smoking and alcohol consumption.

CONCLUSION

To address CVD risk in slums, broad-ranging multisectoral interventions are required, including economic empowerment of the slum population, stress reduction and coping interventions, and alcohol legislation. Also, there is a need for community CVD sensitisation and screening as well as increasing access to physical activity amenities and healthy foods within slums.

Health care utilization and its association with sociodemographic factors among slum-dwellers with type 2 diabetes in Tabriz, Iran: A cross-sectional study

Background and Aims

Slums are known as growing underprivileged areas. One of the health adverse effects of slum-dwelling is health care underutilization. Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires an appropriate utilization. This study aimed to investigate the extent of health care utilization among slum-dwellers with T2DM in Tabriz, Iran, in 2022.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study on 400 patients with T2DM living in slum areas of Tabriz, Iran. Sampling was conducted using a systematic random sampling method. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. To develop the questionnaire, we used Iran's Package of Essential Noncommunicable (IraPEN) diseases, in which potential needs and essential health care for patients with diabetes and the appropriate time intervals for use are specified. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.

Results

Although 49.8% of patients needed outpatient services, only 38.3% were referred to health centers and utilized health services. The results of the binary logistic regression model showed that women (OR = 1.871, CI 1.170-2.993), those with higher income levels (OR = 1.984, CI 1.105-3.562), and those with diabetes complications (Adjusted OR = 1.7, CI 0.2-0.603) were almost 1.8 times more likely to utilize outpatient services. Additionally, those with diabetes complications (OR = 1.93, CI 0.189-2.031) and those taking oral medication (OR = 3.131, CI 1.825-5.369) were respectively 1.9 and 3.1 times more likely to utilize inpatient care services.

Conclusions

Our study showed that, although slum-dwellers with type 2 diabetes needed outpatient services, a small percentage were referred to health centers and utilized health services. Multispectral cooperation is necessary for improving the status quo. There is a need to take appropriate interventions to strengthen health care utilization among residents with T2DM living in slum sites. Also, insurance organizations should cover more health expenditures and provide a more comprehensive benefits package for these patients.

Barriers to health care utilization among patients with type 2 diabetes living in slums: a qualitative study from providers' perspective

BACKGROUND

Due to slum dwellers' deprivation, they are more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) and its complications. Type 2 Diabetes is a long-life disease that requires continuous health care utilization. One of the negative outcomes of slum-dwelling is health care underutilization. Therefore, this study aimed to understand barriers to health care utilization among those with T2D living in Tabriz slums, Iran, from the perspective of healthcare providers, in 2022.

METHODS

A phenomenological approach was used in this study. Purposive sampling for conducting in-depth interviews was used to select 23 providers consisting of general practitioners, midwives, nutritionists, and public health experts. We conducted a content analysis using the 7 stages recommended by Colaizzi. We used four criteria recommended by Lincoln and Guba for ensuring the research's trustworthiness.

RESULTS

Three main themes and 8 categories were developed. Three main themes are 1) health care provision system barriers, including four categories: lack of motivation, non-availability of facilities and doctors, poor relationship between patients and providers, and disruption in the process 2) coverage problems, including two categories: insurance inefficiency, and limited access, and 3) contextual barriers, including two categories: environmental problems, and socioeconomic barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations are presented in three levels to improve implementation. The health care system needs to modify the payment methods, Patients-providers relationship improvement, and increase the number of providers. Insurance organizations should consider sufficient coverage of costs for slum-dwellers with T2D and expand the benefits package for them. Government should consider infrastructure upgrading in slums to eliminate barriers related to slum-dwelling. Overall, health care utilization promotion needs intersection cooperation.

Multimorbidity of cardiometabolic diseases: a cross-sectional study of patterns, clusters and associated risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa

OBJECTIVE

To determine the patterns of cardiometabolic multimorbidity and associated risk factors in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

DESIGN

We used data from the WHO STEPwise approach to non-communicable disease risk factor surveillance cross-sectional surveys conducted between 2014 and 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

The participants comprised 39, 658 respondents aged 15-69 years randomly selected from nine SSA countries using a multistage stratified sampling design.

PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE

Using latent class analysis and agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithms, we analysed the clustering of cardiometabolic diseases (CMDs) including high blood sugar, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as heart attack, angina and stroke. Clusters of lifestyle risk factors: harmful salt intake, physical inactivity, obesity, tobacco and alcohol use were also computed. Prevalence ratios (PR) from modified Poisson regression were used to assess the association of cardiometabolic multimorbidity with sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors.

RESULTS

Two distinct classes of CMDs were identified: relatively healthy group with minimal CMDs (95.2%) and cardiometabolic multimorbidity class comprising participants with high blood sugar, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension and CVDs (4.8%). The clusters of lifestyle risk factors included alcohol, tobacco and harmful salt consumption (27.0%), and physical inactivity and obesity (5.8%). The cardiometabolic multimorbidity cluster exhibited unique sociodemographic and lifestyle risk profiles. Being female (PR=1.7, 95% CI (1.5 to 2.0), middle-aged (35-54 years) (3.9 (95% CI 3.2 to 4.8)), compared with age 15-34 years, employed (1.2 (95% CI 1.1 to 1.4)), having tertiary education (2.5 (95% CI 2.0 to 3.3)), vs no formal education and clustering of physical inactivity and obesity (2.4 (95% CI 2.0 to 2.8)) were associated with a higher likelihood of cardiometabolic multimorbidity.

CONCLUSION

Our findings show that cardiometabolic multimorbidity and lifestyle risk factors cluster in distinct patterns with a disproportionate burden among women, middle-aged, persons in high socioeconomic positions, and those with sedentary lifestyles and obesity. These results provide insights for health systems response in SSA to focus on these clusters as potential targets for integrated care.

Co-occurrence of non-communicable disease risk factors and its determinants among school-going adolescents of Kathmandu Metropolitan City

Background

Adolescence is a critical transition in human growth and adolescents tend to engage in various risky behaviors which are likely to continue into adulthood. Co-occurrence of non-communicable disease risk factors has the potential to increase risks of chronic disease comorbidity and increased mortality in later life. Behavioral risk factors are adopted due to changes in lifestyle and adolescents are more prone to acquire them. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of co-occurrence of non-communicable disease risk factors among school-going adolescents of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among school-going adolescents of Kathmandu Metropolitan City in January/February 2020. We used stratified random sampling to select 1108 adolescents studying in 9, 10, 11, and 12 grades. We used Global Schools Health Survey tools to collect data. We entered data in EpiData 3.1 and exported it into Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20 for statistical analysis. We estimated prevalence of NCDs risk factors and co-occurrence of risk factors. We applied multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, religion, education, type of school, and parental education to determine factors associated with co-occurrence of NCDs risk factors.

Results

The prevalence of physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, harmful use of alcohol and tobacco among school-going adolescents were 72.3% (95%CI: 69.6–74.9), 41.1% (95%CI: 38.2–44.0), 14.8% (95%CI: 12.8–17.0) and 7.8% (95%CI:6.3–9.5) respectively. The adolescent with co-occurrence of two or more risk factors was 40.7% (95%CI: 37.8–43.7). The school-going adolescents who were in higher age group (AOR = 1.72, 95% CI- 1.06, 2.77), Hindus (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI-1.09, 2.89), other than Brahmin/Chhetri by ethnicity (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI-1.39, 2.22) and with lower education level of mothers (AOR = 2.40, 95% CI- 1.46,3.98) were more likely to have co-occurrence of NCDs risk factors after adjusting for all socio-demographic variables.

Conclusion

The co-occurrence of non-communicable disease risk factors was high among school going adolescents and was associated with age, religion, ethnicity and mother’s education. Integrated and comprehensive interventional programs should be developed by concerned authorities.

First Report on the Co-Occurrence and Clustering Profiles of Cardiovascular Lifestyle Risk Factors among Adults in Burkina Faso

The co-occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors is usually associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) or cancer. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of the co-occurrence and its determinants and to identify the clustering profiles of lifestyle risk factors among the adult population in Burkina Faso. Among 4692 participants, 4377 adults from the first STEPS survey conducted in Burkina Faso were considered in this analysis. Four lifestyle risk factors (smoking, alcohol consumption, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and low physical activity) were analysed. The clustering was evaluated using the observed/expected (O/E) ratio approach. To identify the determinants of co-occurrence, we performed a modified Poisson regression. The prevalence of the co-occurrence of two or more cardiovascular lifestyle risk factors was 46.4% (95% CI: 43.1–49.7). The main determinants of the co-occurrence were being male (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR): 1.27 (95% CI: 1.16–1.38)), advanced age (55–64 years old: aPR: 1.45 (95% CI: 1.31–1.60)) and a high level of education (aPR: 1.29 (95% CI: 1.09–1.52)). The clustering profile for lifestyle risk factors was tobacco consumption combined with alcohol consumption (O/E: 2.77 (95% CI: 2.12–3.56)), and concurrent involvement in all four lifestyle risk factors (O/E = 1.51 (95% CI: 1.19–1.89)). This first population-based report on the co-occurrence of lifestyle risk factors calls for action to tailor health-promoting interventions to increase healthy lifestyle behaviors. The identified CVD-risk clustering should be considered as an important step in this strategy development in Burkina Faso.

A systematic review of substance use and substance use disorder research in Kenya

Objectives

The burden of substance use in Kenya is significant. The objective of this study was to systematically summarize existing literature on substance use in Kenya, identify research gaps, and provide directions for future research.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in line with the PRISMA guidelines. We conducted a search of 5 bibliographic databases (PubMed, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Professionals (CINAHL) and Cochrane Library) from inception until 20 August 2020. In addition, we searched all the volumes of the official journal of the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol & Drug Abuse (the African Journal of Alcohol and Drug Abuse). The results of eligible studies have been summarized descriptively and organized by three broad categories including: studies evaluating the epidemiology of substance use, studies evaluating interventions and programs, and qualitative studies exploring various themes on substance use other than interventions. The quality of the included studies was assessed with the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs.

Results

Of the 185 studies that were eligible for inclusion, 144 investigated the epidemiology of substance use, 23 qualitatively explored various substance use related themes, and 18 evaluated substance use interventions and programs. Key evidence gaps emerged. Few studies had explored the epidemiology of hallucinogen, prescription medication, ecstasy, injecting drug use, and emerging substance use. Vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, and persons with physical disability had been under-represented within the epidemiological and qualitative work. No intervention study had been conducted among children and adolescents. Most interventions had focused on alcohol to the exclusion of other prevalent substances such as tobacco and cannabis. Little had been done to evaluate digital and population-level interventions.

Conclusion

The results of this systematic review provide important directions for future substance use research in Kenya.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO: CRD42020203717.

Inequalities in the prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk factors in Brazilian slum populations: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Social and environmental risk factors in informal settlements and slums may contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study assesses the socioeconomic inequalities in CVD risk factors in Brazil comparing slum and non-slum populations.

METHODS

Responses from 94,114 individuals from the 2019 Brazilian National Health Survey were analysed. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme definition of a slum was used to identify slum inhabitants. Six behavioural risk factors, four metabolic risk factors and doctor-diagnosed CVD were analysed using Poisson regression models adjusting for socioeconomic characteristics.

RESULTS

Compared to urban non-slum inhabitants, slum inhabitants were more likely to: have low (less than five days per week) consumption of fruits (APR: 1.04, 95%CI 1.01-1.07) or vegetables (APR: 1.08, 95%CI 1.05-1.12); drink four or more alcoholic drinks per day (APR: 1.05, 95%CI 1.03-1.06); and be physically active less than 150 minutes per week (APR: 1.03, 95%CI 1.01-1.04). There were no differences in the likelihoods of doctor-diagnosed metabolic risk factors or CVD between the two groups in adjusted models. There was a higher likelihood of behavioural and metabolic risk factors among those with lower education, with lower incomes, and the non-White population.

CONCLUSIONS

Brazilians living in slums are at higher risk of behavioural risk factors for CVD, suggesting local environments might impact access to and uptake of healthy behaviours.

Trends and risk factors for non-communicable diseases mortality in Nairobi slums (2008-2017)

INTRODUCTION

Tracking progress in reaching global targets for reducing premature mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) requires accurately collected population based longitudinal data. However, most African countries lack such data because of weak or non-existent civil registration systems. We used data from the Nairobi Urban Health and Demographic Surveillance System (NUDSS) to estimate NCD mortality trends over time and to explore the determinants of NCD mortality.

METHODS

Deaths identified in the NUHDSS were followed up with a verbal autopsy to determine the signs and symptoms preceding the death. Causes of death were then assigned using InSilicoVA algorithm. We calculated the rates of NCD mortality in the whole NUHDSS population between 2008 and 2017, looking at how these changed over time. We then merged NCD survey data collected in 2008, which contains information on potential determinants of NCD mortality in a sub-sample of the NUHDSS population, with follow up information from the full NUHDSS including whether any of the participants died of an NCD or non-NCD cause. Poisson regression models were used to identify independent risk factors (broadly categorized as socio-demographic, behavioural and physiological) for NCD mortality, as well as non-NCD mortality.

RESULTS

In the total NUHDSS population of adults age 18 and over, 23% were assigned an NCD as the most likely cause of death. There was evidence that NCD mortality decreased over the study period, with rates of NCD mortality dropping from 1.32 per 1000 person years in 2008-10 (95% CI: 1.13-1.54) to 0.93 per 1000 person years in 2014-17 (95% CI: 0.80-1.08). Of 5115 individuals who participated in the NCD survey in 2008, 421 died during the follow-up period of which 43% were attributed to NCDs. Increasing age, lower education levels, ever smoking and having high blood pressure were identified as independent determinants of NCD mortality in multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSION

We found that NCDs account for one-quarter of mortality in Nairobi slums, although we document a reduction in the rate of NCD mortality over time. This may be attributed to increased surveillance and introduction of population-wide NCD interventions and health system improvements from research activities in the slums. To achieve further decline there is a need to strengthen health systems to respond to NCD care and prevention along with addressing social factors such as education.

Identifying individuals with multiple non-communicable disease risk factors in Kenya: a latent class analysis

OBJECTIVES

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death globally. In Kenya, the number of deaths resulting from NCDs is projected to surpass malaria and tuberculosis by 2030. Studies in Kenya show increasing NCDs; the aim of the present study is to examine the clustering of NCDs and risk factors in Kenya.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a cross-sectional study using data from the 2015 Kenya STEPwise Survey.

METHODS

This study examined relationships between NCDs (e.g. obesity, hypertension and diabetes) and health behaviours (e.g. sedentary activity, and fruit and vegetable consumption). Survey probability weights, which estimated the sampling design effect, were applied to consider the sampling units, and stratifications were used during sampling so that the results could be generalisable to the national adult Kenyan population. In total, 4350 adults were included in the study sample.

RESULTS

Overall, 24.43% of participants were classified as having hypertension, 1.88% as having type 2 diabetes, and 27.94% were classified as being overweight or obese. The best-fit model was a four-class solution. Class 1 is best described as 'young with high NCD risk' and had the highest sedentary activity. Class 2 is best described as 'poor rural with lower NCD risk' with a high chance of smoking and alcohol consumption. Class 3 is best described as 'rural with high NCD risk' and had the highest fruit and vegetable consumption. Class 4 is best described as 'wealthy young urban dwellers with high NCD risk' with a high chance of alcohol consumption and smoking. Individuals in Class 4 had the highest chance (40%) of being overweight/obese, a 2% chance of type 2 diabetes and a 23% chance of having hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

NCDs are clustered in groups with high-risk behaviours. The group with the highest chance of having NCDs also had the highest chance of engaging in high-risk behaviours. The findings of this study suggest that smoking and alcohol consumption increase NCD risk in rural areas. Tailored and targeted interventions are needed to curb the increasing NCD prevalence in Kenya.

A Promising Approach to Preventing Gender-Based Violence and HIV Among Slum-Dwelling Youth in Nairobi, Kenya

Gender-based violence (GBV) and HIV are interrelated public health problems affecting numerous global communities. To date, few prevention initiatives have demonstrated reductions in GBV and HIV, and thus there is an urgency to identify effective strategies to prevent these interconnected public health crises. The purpose of the current article is to describe a gender-enhanced life skills training curriculum (GE-LSTC) currently being developed in Nairobi, Kenya. We discuss previous research relevant to the GE-LSTC; the theoretical underpinnings of the GE-LSTC; the history and context of the GE-LSTC; preliminary implementation, feasibility, and acceptability data on the GE-LSTC; and plans for further refinement and rigorous evaluation of the GE-LSTC.

Food Choice Behaviors of Lactating Women: Association with Body Mass Index and Fruits and Vegetables Intake in Central Amhara Region, Ethiopia-An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

What food people choose to eat is embraced by circumstances that are essentially influenced by the underlying motives of food choices which are important to a healthful dietary change. Therefore, this study aimed to explore food choice behaviors associated with nutritional status and FVs intake in women during lactation from central Amhara.

METHODS

A multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. A study was conducted among 423 randomly selected lactating women using a face-to-face interview of the questionnaire. A community-based cross-sectional, quantitative study with descriptive and analytical components was done. Anthropometrics measurements such as weight, height, waist, and hip circumference were taken from all participants. Body mass index was calculated to determine the nutritional status of women. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 computer software program. Association between dependent and independent variables was identified by logistic regression analysis, and a P-value< 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

RESULTS

About 21.7% of women were underweight. Approximately 37.4% of women had good consumption trends to fruits and vegetables. Healthy meal eating motivation, price-consciousness, and mood concern were identified as the most significant behaviors of food choice, influencing the nutritional status of women with AOR (95% CI) of 2.1 (1.21-3.62), 3.01 (1.32-6.9), and 0.5 (0.30-0.95), respectively. Natural content (AOR (95%): 2.37 (1.39-4.06)), mood concern (AOR (95%): 2.29 (1.15-4.56)), religion concern (AOR (95%): 2.45 (1.37-4.4)), husband encouragement (AOR (95%): 2.26 (1.04-4.89)), and availability of milk and milk products (AOR (95%): 1.6 (1.39-2.74)) and fruits and vegetables (AOR (95%): 1.66 (1.16-3.48)) in home were associated significantly with a good intake of fruit and vegetables.

CONCLUSIONS

This finding provides a useful insight into the food choice motivations of a group of women with preference for natural foods, mood concern, religion concern, and husband support with good fruit and vegetable intake. This can help practitioners make recommendations for health promotion strategies. Emphasis on assisting women with healthy meal eating and avoiding psychological stress is important. Nutrition education about healthy food choice is recommended for communities.

High level of co-occurrence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases among Gambian adults: A national population-based health examination survey

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Co-occurrence of risk factors predisposes an individual to NCDs; the burden increases cumulatively with the number of risk factors. Our study aimed to examine the co-occurrence of NCD risk factors among adults in The Gambia. This study is based on a random nationally representative sample of 4111 adults aged 25-64 years (78% response rate) with data collected between January and March 2010 in The Gambia using the WHO STEPwise survey methods. We restricted our analysis to non-pregnant participants with valid information on five NCD risk factors: high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, low fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical inactivity (n = 3000 adults with complete data on all risk factors). We conducted age-adjusted and fully-adjusted gender stratified multinomial logistic regression analysis to identify factors associated with the number of NCD risk factors. More than 90% of adults had at least one risk factor. Only 7% (95% CI: 5.2-9.8) had no risk factor; 22% (95% CI: 19.1-24.9) had at least three. Older age and ethnicity were significantly associated with having three or more risk factors (versus none) among men in the fully adjusted model. Lower education, older age, and urban residence were significantly associated with three or more risk factors (versus none) among women. The burden of NCDs is expected to increase in The Gambia if preventive and control measures are not taken. There should be an integrated approach targeting all risk factors, including wider treatment and control of hypertension.

Critical appraisal of a mHealth-assisted community-based cardiovascular disease risk screening program in rural Kenya: an operational research study

Community health workers (CHWs) can participate in the cascade of hypertension and diabetes management in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Their services may be enhanced with mobile health (mHealth) tools. In this operational research study, we describe the AFYACHAT mHealth-assisted cardiovascular health screening program in rural Kenya. In this study, A CHW screened a convenience sample of adults ≥ 40 years old in rural Kenya for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk using the two-way AFYACHAT mHealth instrument. AFYACHAT analyzes a patient's age, sex, smoking, diabetes and systolic blood pressure and provides a four-tiered 10-year CVD risk score. User acceptability was assessed by an end-of-study interview with the CWH. Automated error logs were analyzed. Patient satisfaction was measured with a six-question satisfaction questionnaire. Screened participants with high CVD risk were followed-up via telephone to explore any actions taken following screening. In 24 months, one CHW screened 1650 participants using AFYACHAT. The 10-year risk of CVD was <10% for 1611 (98%) patients, 10 to <20% for 26 (1.6%), 20 to <30% in 12 (0.7%), and ≥30% for 1 (0.1%). The point prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was 27% and 1.9%, respectively. Seventy-five percent of participants with elevated CVD risk sought further medical care. There was high acceptability, a 15% miscode error rate, and high participant satisfaction with the screening program. Our operational research outlines how AFYACHAT mHealth tool can assist CHW perform rapid CVD screening; this provides a model framework for non-communicable disease screening in LMICs.

Barriers and facilitators to cessation among tobacco users with concomitant mental illness attending group behavioral tobacco cessation: A qualitative study

INTRODUCTION

Quitting tobacco smoking is associated with improvements in mental health, including reductions in depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to successful cessation among tobacco using patients with concomitant mental illness undergoing a group tobacco cessation intervention program in Kenya.

METHODS

This was a qualitative study embedded in a group behavioral tobacco cessation intervention trial in Nairobi, Kenya. Data were collected between March 2017 and August 2019. Group behavioral tobacco cessation meetings were held bimonthly for the first 3 months and monthly for the next 3 months for each intervention group. Field notes of group discussions were used to identify key themes using an inductive approach. Data were transcribed, coded, analyzed, interpreted and categorized by two team members.

RESULTS

A purposive sample of 49 tobacco-using patients with concomitant mental illness participated in 5 focus groups. Mean (SD) age was 33.4 (6) years, 22.4% were women, 98% smoked cigarettes, and mean (SD) Fagerström score was 5.9 (1.5). Barriers experienced included: 1) peer influence, 2) withdrawal symptoms, 3) fear of complete cessation, 4) other substance use, and 5) end-of-month disputes. Facilitators used by participants included: 1) oral stimulation, and 2) spousal and friend support.

CONCLUSIONS

Tobacco users with concomitant mental illness face important barriers when trying to quit. Thus, more frequent and intensive tobacco cessation interventions may be needed, including supplementary group behavioral counseling by telephonic follow-up or online group sessions.

Patients' knowledge on cardiovascular risk factors and associated lifestyle behaviour in Ethiopia in 2018: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is posing a major public health challenge globally. Evidence reports significant gaps in knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with CVD. Despite the growing burden of cardiovascular disease in developing countries, there is limited data available to improve the awareness of this area, which is crucial for the implementation of prevention programs.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in two referral hospitals in Eastern Ethiopia from June-September 2018. Outpatients with a confirmed diagnosis cardiovascular conditions were eligible for participation in the study. A convenience sampling technique was used. The primary outcome of the study was knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among patients with cardiovascular disease. The knowledge of cardiovascular disease risk factors was measured using a validated instrument (heart disease fact questionnaire). A score less than 70% was defined as suboptimal knowledge. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the relationship between knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and explanatory variables.

RESULTS

A total of 287 patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age was 47±11yrs and 56.4% of patients were females. More than half of patients (54%) had good knowledge on cardiovascular risk factors (scored>70%), whilst 46% demonstrated suboptimal knowledge levels in this area. Urban residency was associated with higher cardiovascular risk factors knowledge scores, whereas, never married and no formal education or lower education were identified as predictors of lower knowledge scores. There was no statistically significant association between knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors and actual cumulative risk behaviour.

CONCLUSION

Almost half of CVD patients in Ethiopia have suboptimal knowledge regarding cardiovascular risk factors. Residence, education level and marital status were associated with knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors. Implementation of innovative interventions and structured, nurse-led lifestyle counselling would be required to effectively guide patients in developing lifestyle modification and achieve sustainable behaviour change.

Small-area variation of cardiovascular diseases and select risk factors and their association to household and area poverty in South Africa: Capturing emerging trends in South Africa to better target local level interventions

BACKGROUND

Of the total 56 million deaths worldwide during 2012, 38 million (68%) were due to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), particularly cardiovascular diseases (17.5 million deaths) cancers (8.2 million) which represents46.2% and 21.7% of NCD deaths, respectively). Nearly 80 percent of the global CVD deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Some of the major CVDs such as ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke and CVD risk conditions, namely, hypertension and dyslipidaemia share common modifiable risk factors including smoking, unhealthy diets, harmful use of alcohol and physical inactivity. The CVDs are now putting a heavy strain of the health systems at both national and local levels, which have previously largely focused on infectious diseases and appalling maternal and child health. We set out to estimate district-level co-occurrence of two cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), namely, ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke; and two major risk conditions for CVD, namely, hypertension and dyslipidaemia in South Africa.

METHOD

The analyses were based on adults health collected as part of the 2012 South African National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (SANHANES). We used joint disease mapping models to estimate and map the spatial distributions of risks of hypertension, self-report of ischaemic heart disease (IHD), stroke and dyslipidaemia at the district level in South Africa. The analyses were adjusted for known individual social demographic and lifestyle factors, household and district level poverty measurements using binary spatial models.

RESULTS

The estimated prevalence of IHD, stroke, hypertension and dyslipidaemia revealed high inequality at the district level (median value (range): 5.4 (0-17.8%); 1.7 (0-18.2%); 32.0 (12.5-48.2%) and 52.2 (0-71.7%), respectively). The adjusted risks of stroke, hypertension and IHD were mostly high in districts in the South-Eastern parts of the country, while that of dyslipidaemia, was high in Central and top North-Eastern corridor of the country.

CONCLUSIONS

The study has confirmed common modifiable risk factors of two cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), namely, ischemic heart disease (IHD) and stroke; and two major risk conditions for CVD, namely, hypertension and dyslipidaemia. Accordingly, an integrated intervention approach addressing cardiovascular diseases and associated risk factors and conditions would be more cost effective and provide stronger impacts than individual tailored interventions only. Findings of excess district-level variations in the CVDs and their risk factor profiles might be useful for developing effective public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing behavioural risk factors including harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity and high salt intake.

Determinants of Mortality from Cardiovascular Disease in the Slums of Nairobi, Kenya

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) comprise eighty percent of non-communicable disease (NCD) burden in low- and middle-income countries and are increasingly impacting the poor inequitably. Traditional and socioeconomic factors were analyzed for their association with CVD mortality over 10 years of baseline assessment in an urban slum of Nairobi, Kenya.

Methods and results

A 2008 survey on CVD risk factors was linked to cause of death data collected between 2008 and 2018. Cox proportional hazards on relative risk of dying from CVD over a 10-year period following the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk factors were computed. Population attributable fraction (PAF) of incident CVD death was estimated for key risk factors. In total, 4,290 individuals, 44.0% female, mean age 48.4 years in 2008 were included in the analysis. Diabetes and hypertension were 7.8% and 24.9% respectively in 2008. Of 385 deaths recorded between 2008 and 2018, 101 (26%) were caused by CVD. Age (hazard ratio (HR) 1.11; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.20, p = 0.005) and hypertension (HR 2.19, 95% CI 1.44-3.33, p <0.001) were positively associated with CVD mortality. Primary school education and higher (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.33-0.99, p = 0.044) and formal employment (HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.75, p = 0.015) were negatively associated with CVD mortality. Controlling hypertension would avert 27% (95% CI 9%-42%, p = 0.004) CVD deaths, while if every member of the community attained primary school education and unemployment was eradicated, 39% (95% CI 5% - 60%, p = 0.026), and 17% (95% CI 5%-27%, p = 0.030) of CVD deaths, would be averted respectively.

Conclusions

A holistic approach in addressing socioeconomic factors in the broader context of social determinants of health at the policy, population and individual level will enhance prevention and treatment-adherence for CVD in underserved settings.

Feasibility assessment of invigorating grassrooTs primary healthcare for prevention and management of cardiometabolic diseases in resource-limited settings in China, Kenya, Nepal, Vietnam (the FAITH study): rationale and design

Background

Cardiometabolic diseases are the leading cause of death and disability in many low- and middle-income countries. As the already severe burden from these conditions continues to increase in low- and middle-income countries, cardiometabolic diseases introduce new and salient public health challenges to primary health care systems. In this mixed-method study, we aim to assess the capacity of grassroots primary health care facilities to deliver essential services for the prevention and control of cardiometabolic diseases. Built on this information, our goal is to propose evidence-based recommendations to promote a stronger primary health care system in resource-limited settings.

Methods

The study will be conducted in resource-limited settings in China, Kenya, Nepal, and Vietnam using a mixed-method approach that incorporates a literature review, surveys, and in-depth interviews. The literature, statistics, and document review will extract secondary data on the burden of cardiometabolic diseases in each country, the existing policies and interventions related to strengthening primary health care services, and improving care related to non-communicable disease prevention and control. We will also conduct primary data collection. In each country, ten grassroots primary health care facilities across representative urban-rural regions will be selected. Health care professionals and patients recruited from these facilities will be invited to participate in the facility assessment questionnaire and patients’ survey. Stakeholders – including patients, health care professionals, policymakers at the local, regional, and national levels, and local authorities – will be invited to participate in in-depth interviews. A standard protocol will be designed to allow for adaption and localization in data collection instruments and procedures within each country.

Discussion

With a special focus on the capacity of primary health care facilities in resource-limited settings in low- and middle-income countries, this study has the potential to add new evidence for policymakers and academia by identifying the most common and significant barriers primary health care services face in managing and preventing cardiometabolic diseases. With these findings, we will generate evidence-based recommendations on potential strategies that are feasible for resource-limited settings in combating the increasing challenges of cardiometabolic diseases.

Cardiovascular risk behaviour is an emerging health issue in developing countries: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Low and middle-income countries are facing a high burden of cardiovascular disease while there is limited availability of resources and evidence to educate and modify lifestyle behaviours in the population as well as to guide policy making.

AIM

The goal of the present study was to quantify the prevalence of different cardiovascular risk behaviours among patients with known cardiovascular conditions in a developing country.

METHODS

A hospital-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in two referral hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Outpatients who had a confirmed diagnosis of cardiovascular disease were recruited for the study. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with patients using validated tools.

RESULTS

A total of 287 cardiovascular disease patients was recruited, of which 56.4% were women and 90.2% were urban residents. Most patients had inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables, 51.6% were physically inactive, 20% were current khat chewers, 19% were current alcohol drinkers and only 1% were current smokers. Approximately one-third (30%) of the patients had one of these risk behaviours, more than half (51.9%) had two, 15% had three and 3.1% had four risk behaviours. The majority (70%) of the patients had multiple (more than two) risk behaviours. The prevalence of multiple risk behaviours did not significantly vary with sex, residence and educational level differences (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Cardiovascular disease patients continue to follow unhealthy lifestyles although they attend follow-up care with a specific focus on risk management. The findings of this study provide evidence for policy makers that health services reform is required to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours for the patients.

Understanding of and perceptions towards cardiovascular diseases and their risk factors: a qualitative study among residents of urban informal settings in Nairobi

OBJECTIVES

The study explored the understanding of and perception towards cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors, and how they influence prevention and development of the conditions, care-seeking and adhering to treatment.

SETTING

Informal settlements of Nairobi.

PARTICIPANTS

Nine focus group discussions consisting of between six and eight purposively sampled participants were conducted among healthy individuals aged 20 years or older. A total of 65 participants (41 female) were involved.

RESULTS

Poverty, ignorance and illiteracy promoted behaviours like smoking, (harmful) alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and unhealthy diet, implicated in the development of obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Some respondents could not see the link between behavioural risk factors with diabetes, hypertension and stroke and heart attacks. Contaminated food items consumed by the residents and familial inheritance were factors that caused CVD, whereas emotional stress from constant worry was linked to hypertension, stroke and heart attacks. Few and inadequately equipped public health facilities were hindrances to treatment seeking and adherence to treatment for CVD conditions. Lack of medication in public health facilities was considered to be the single most important barrier to adherence to treatment next to lack of family support among older patients.

CONCLUSION

Interventions to prevent and manage CVD in low-resource and urban poor settings should consider perceptions and understanding of risk factors for CVD, and the interrelationships among them while accounting for cultural and contextual issues for example, stigma and disregard for conventional medicine. Programmes should be informed by locally generated evidence on awareness and opportunities for CVD care, coupled with effective risk communication through healthcare providers. Screening for and treatment of CVD must address perceptions such as prohibitive cost of healthcare. Finally, social determinants of disease and health, mainly poverty and illiteracy, which are implicated in addressing CVD in low-resource settings, should be addressed.

Knowledge of the physical activity guidelines and factors associated with physical activity participation among adults in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia

Objectives

We assessed knowledge of the physical activity guidelines and factors associated with physical activity participation among adults in Harar town, eastern Ethiopia.

Design

A cross-sectional study of 590 adults in Harar town with face-to-face interview.

Results

Only 27% of participants had good knowledge of the physical activity guidelines. The extent of physical activity participation was 54% (95% CI 50.0% to 58.4%). Male participants (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.14; 95% CI 1.49 to 3.07), educational status of college diploma and above (AOR 2.06; 95% CI 1.09 to 3.89), sitting less than 2 hours per day (AOR 1.82; 95% CI: 1.17% to 2.83%) and good knowledge of physical activity (AOR 3.03; 95% CI 1.98 to 4.64) were associated with physical activity participation.

Conclusions

There is limited knowledge of physical activity guideline in the study area.

Tobacco use and its determinants in the 2015 Kenya WHO STEPS survey

BACKGROUND

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2015, over 1.1 billion people smoked tobacco, which represents around 15% of the global population. In Africa, around one in five adults smoke tobacco. The 2014 Kenya Global Adult Tobacco Survey reported that 2.5 million adults use tobacco products. The objective of our study was to describe patterns and determinants of tobacco use from the 2015 Kenya STEPS survey, including use of "smokeless" tobacco products and the more novel e-cigarettes.

METHODS

The WHO STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) was completed in Kenya between April and June 2015. Logistic regression analyses was used to assess factors affecting prevalence and frequency of tobacco use. Sociodemographic variables associated with tobacco use were considered: age, sex, level of education, wealth quintile, and residence. The relationship with alcohol as an intervening risk factor was also assessed. Our main outcomes of interest were current tobacco use, daily tobacco use and use of smokeless tobacco products.

RESULTS

Of 4484 respondents, 605 (13.5%) reported being current tobacco users. Most active tobacco users were male (n = 507/605, 83.8%). Three out of four tobacco users (n = 468/605, 77.4%) reported being less than 50 years old, with the average start age being 21 (20.6, 95% CI 19.3-21.8) and the average quit age 27 (27.2, 95% CI 25.8-28.6). Most tobacco users had only ever attended up to primary school (n = 434/605, 71.7%). Men had nearly seven times higher odds of being tobacco users as compared to women (OR 7.63, 95% CI 5.63-10.33). Alcohol use had a positive effect on tobacco use. Finally, less than ten respondents reported having used e-cigarettes.

CONCLUSION

The 2015 Kenya WHO STEPS provided primary data on the status of tobacco use in the country and other leading NCD risk factors, such as alcohol, and associated diseases. Our findings highlight key target populations for tobacco cessation efforts: young people, men, those with lower levels of education, and alcohol consumers. Further data is needed on the use of smokeless tobacco, and its impact on smoked tobacco products, as well as on the novel use of e-cigarettes.

Pattern of body mass index, chronic diseases, and physical component of quality of life in a population in North of Iran: A latent class analysis

Background: Due to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and lifestyle changes, this study aimed at determining the subclasses of Iranian adults based on body mass index, some NCDs, and status of physical component of quality of life.

Methods: A total of 5207 participants of Amol cohort study were studied in this study. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to determine the best model with the minimum AIC or BIC.

Results: We decided that the 6 latent classes model was the best model. The first class described 35.1% of the participants and was characterized by individuals with no disease status. The sixth class described 0.7% of the individuals and was characterized by individuals exhibiting high probability of body mass index (BMI) equal or more than 25, kidney inadequacy, hypertension, and moderate physical component of quality of life status.

Conclusion: This study showed the pattern of body mass index, chronic diseases, and physical component of quality of life. Our findings demonstrated that some risk factors and non-communicable diseases tend to accumulate in some classes, especially classes 5 and 6, and thus the risk of developing these diseases rises along with increase in their clustering abilities. These results point out the critical importance of designing specific preventive interventional programs for these stratums of individuals.

Perceptions and behavior related to noncommunicable diseases among slum dwellers in a rapidly urbanizing city, Dhaka, Bangladesh: a qualitative study

The increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh can be attributable to rapid urbanization and coinciding changes in lifestyle accompanied by nutrition transition. The objective of this study is to explore respondents' lived experiences and perceptions relating to NCDs and nutrition change in an urban slum community in Dhaka. Qualitative methods were employed to explore a general understanding of behavior related to NCDs among residents of the slum community. We conducted key informant interviews of six men and seven women of various backgrounds and five focus group discussions to focus salient topics emerged from the interviews. The transcriptions of the audio-recordings were thematically analyzed, using the constant comparison method. Four major themes emerged: (1) financial hardship influencing health; (2) urbanized lifestyle affecting diet; (3) tobacco and sweetened tea as cornerstones of social life; and (4) health-seeking behavior utilizing local resources. One notable finding was that even with general economic improvement, respondents perceived poverty to be one of the major causes of NCDs. A promising finding for potentially curbing NCDs was the current trend for women to walk for exercise contrary to the commonly held notion that urban dwellers generally lead sedentary lifestyles. This study described how urban slum dwellers in Dhaka, experiencing a transition from a traditional to urbanized lifestyle, perceived their daily practices in relation to NCDs and nutrition. Our research revealed both adverse and encouraging elements of perceptions and behavior related to NCDs, which may contribute to the optimal design of NCD prevention and health promotion programs.

Community-based screening for cardiovascular risk using a novel mHealth tool in rural Kenya

BACKGROUND

An increasing burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in low-resource settings demands innovative public health approaches.

OBJECTIVES

To design and test a novel mHealth tool for use by community health workers (CHWs) to identify individuals at high CVD risk who would benefit from education and/or pharmacologic interventions.

METHODS

We designed and implemented a novel two-way mobile phone application, "AFYACHAT," to rapidly screen for CVD risk in rural Kenya. AFYACHAT collects and stores SMS text message data entered by a CHW on a subject's age, sex, smoking, diabetes, and systolic blood pressure, and returns as SMS text message the category of 10-year CVD risk: "GREEN" (<10% 10 year risk of cardiovascular event), "YELLOW" (10 to <20%), "orange"(20 to <30%), or "RED" (≥30%). CHWs were equipped and trained to use an automated blood pressure device and the mHealth tool.

RESULTS

Five CHWs screened 2,865 subjects in remote rural communities in Kenya over a 22 month period (2015-17). The median age of subjects was 50 (IQR 43 to 60) and 1581 (55%) were female. Point prevalence of hypertension (systolic blood pressure>140mmHg), diabetes, and tobacco use were 23%, 3.2%, and 22%, respectively. Overall, the 10-year risk of CVD among patients was <10% in 2778 (97%) patients, 10 to <20% in 65 (2.3%), 20 to <30% in 12 (0.4%), and ≥30% in 10 (0.2%).

CONCLUSION

We have developed a mHealth tool that can be used by CHWs to screen for CVD risk factors, demonstrating proof-of-concept in rural Kenya.

Comparison of domains of self-reported physical activity between Kenyan adult urban-slum dwellers and national estimates

BACKGROUND

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) - largely the result of modifiable behavioral risks such as physical inactivity that gradually develop into physiological risks - are a main cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Kenya, a nationally representative STEPwise survey of risk factors for NCDs established that 10.8% of Kenyans accumulated low levels of total physical activity.

OBJECTIVES

The goal of our analyses was to compare domains of self-reported physical activity in two Nairobi slums to national estimates.

METHODS

Levels and time of self-reported activity in three domains (work, transport, and recreation), collected as part of a SCALE-UP study conducted in Korogocho and Viwandani slums in Nairobi, were compared to STEPwise findings.

RESULTS

The samples included a total of 10,128 participants (5,628 slum, 4,500 national). Only 7.1% and 4.0% of slum dwellers reported low levels of work and transport physical activity, respectively, but 95.9% reported low levels of recreation-related activity. Slum residents reported higher mean daily minutes of total activity than the national estimate (499 minutes versus 291 minutes), however, both samples spent similar proportions of total activity on work (79.0% slum, 78.3% national), transport (20.4% slum, 18.1% national), and recreation (0.6% slum, 3.6% national) activities.

CONCLUSIONS

While the total amount of time spent in different domains of self-reported activity differs between urban slum residents and the national Kenyan population, proportions of time in each of the three domains are similar. It is important that such differences or similarities be considered when addressing NCD risk factors in these populations.

The prevalence and associated factors of non-communicable disease risk factors among civil servants in Ibadan, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a global public health problem, which threatens Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) including Nigeria. Civil servants are at risk of NCDs because of the stressful and sedentary nature of their work. The study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of the major risk factors of NCDs among civil servants in Ibadan, Nigeria.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 606 civil servants in Oyo State using a two-stage cluster sampling technique. The WHO Stepwise approach was used to assess the behavioural and metabolic risk factors. Anthropometric (weight, height, waist and hip circumferences), blood pressure and biochemical measurements (fasting blood sugar) were obtained. Prevalence rates and 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Multivariate logistic models with adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the associated factors of NCD risk factors. Multiple Poisson regression was also performed to determine the effects of certain socio-demographic factors on the clustering of NCD risk factors.

RESULTS

The mean age of the civil servants was 43.0±10.3 and 53.8% were males. The prevalence estimates and 95% confidence intervals of the risk factors were 6.5% (95% CI:4.5-8.5) for current smoking, 7.8% (95% CI:5.1-10.5) for harmful use of alcohol, 62.2% (95% CI:58.2-66.2) for low physical activity, 69.7% (95% CI:66.0-73.4) for insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, 37.1% (95% CI:33.2-41.0) for abdominal obesity, 57.3% (95% CI:53.3-61.3) for overweight and obesity, 33.1% (95% CI:29.3-36.8) for raised blood pressure and 7.1% (95% CI:5.0-9.1) for raised blood sugar. Over 75% of the population had at least two NCD risk factors and the study participants had an average of 3 NCD risk factors 3.01 (95% CI: 2.88-3.14) The female gender was significantly associated with an increased risk for abdominal obesity (AOR 27.9; 95% CI: 12.09-64.6) and being overweight or obese (AOR 6.78; 95% CI: 3.53-13.01), but was protective of smoking (AOR 0.21; 95% CI: 0.07-0.61) and binge drinking (AOR 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01-0.45). Also, the risk of hypertension increased with age- 30-39 years (AOR 12.29; 95% CI: 1.06-141.8), 40-49 years (AOR 14.28; 95% CI: 1.10-181.4) and 50 years and above (AOR 32.43; 95% CI: 2.44-413.7). Raised blood pressure was a strong correlate for having raised blood sugar (AOR 5.63; 95% CI: 1.48-21.3). Increasing age (IRR 1.02; 95% CI: 1.01-1.02) and being female (IRR 1.36; 95% CI: 1.23-1.49) were also important predictors of the clustering of risk factors.

CONCLUSION

The feminization (i.e. the preponderance of risk factors among the females) and clustering of non-communicable disease risk factors were observed among Oyo State civil servants. Our findings highlight the high prevalence of cardio-metabolic risk factors among the working class. Hence the need for targeted preventive and therapeutic interventions among this population.

Access to medicines for asthma, diabetes and hypertension in eight counties of Kenya

OBJECTIVE

To assess access to noncommunicable diseases (NCD) medicines in Kenya for patients diagnosed and prescribed treatment for asthma, diabetes and hypertension.

METHODS

Households in eight purposively chosen counties were randomly selected. To be eligible, a household needed to have at least one member aged 18 years or older who had been previously diagnosed and prescribed medicines for one of the following NCDs: asthma, diabetes or hypertension. Using a logistic regression model, we explored the relationship between patient characteristics and the probability that patients had the medicines available at the time of the survey visit.

RESULTS

A total of 627 individuals were included in the analysis. The highest percentage of medicines availability was in households with diabetes patients (83.1%), followed by hypertension (77.1%) patients. The lowest availability of medicines was found in households with asthma patients (53.1%). The median household expenditure on medicines per month was US$7.00 for households with diabetes patients; it was US$4.00 for asthma. In general, strong predictors of having medicines at home was being older, having some education compared to no education, few household members, wealth, being diagnosed at private nonprofit facilities and having only one patient with NCDs in the household.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study found that nearly three-quarters of patients diagnosed and prescribed a medicine for hypertension, asthma or diabetes had the medicine available at home. Access challenges remain, in particular for patients from low-income households and for those diagnosed with asthma.