Wake-Up. A Health Promotion Project for Sub-Saharan University Students: Results of Focus Group Sessions

Prevalence and Sex-Specific Distribution of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in University Students in an Urban-Rural Environment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

A recent qualitative study on health promotion in non-communicable diseases in Sub-Saharan University students suggested sex differences in knowledge and beliefs concerning a healthy lifestyle. However, the extent to which this is reflected in sex-specific distribution of cardiovascular risk factors among Sub-Saharan African students have not been fully evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and the sex-specific distribution of some modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among students at University of Kikwit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This cross-sectional descriptive study included 780 students (62.2% men) at the University of Kikwit between January and March of 2016. Data on physical measurements, lifestyle factors, and medical history were collected. The median age (interquartile range) of the students was 23 years (21-25 years). The modifiable cardiovascular risk factors identified were: alcohol consumption (53.1%), overweight (16.4%), general obesity (1.9%), abdominal obesity (10.4%), tobacco consumption (8.1%), hypertension (7.6%) and high pulse pressure (6.4%). Compared to women, men had a higher prevalence of hypertension (9.9 vs. 3.7%; p = 0.002), tobacco consumption (10.7 vs. 3.7%; p = 0.001), and alcohol consumption (58.4 vs. 44.4%; p < 0.001). In contrast, abdominal obesity was more predominant in women than in men (23.1 vs. 2.7%; p < 0.001). This study suggests a sex-specific distribution of several modifiable cardiovascular risk factors in students at the University of Kikwit. Design of sex-specific, student-targeted health promotion programs may be warranted to reduce the prevalence of risk factors and the subsequent burden of cardiovascular diseases.

What can Sub-Saharan Africa learn from Canada's investment in active healthy ageing? A narrative view

Background

The number of older persons in Sub-Saharan Africa is increasing.

Aims

What can Sub-Saharan Africa learn from other countries that may enhance the health and wellness of older persons? Canada was conveniently selected as the country which has endorsed the need for action on active ageing, given that by 2026, 1 in every 5 Canadians will have reached the age of 65 years and 4% of the overall population will be 85 years and older.

Methods

English language electronic searches of computerized databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and PsychINFO) were done to locate relevant published studies on Canada, from January 2000 to August 2014. Keyword combination included: physical activity/activities, exercise/s, older person/s, elderly, ageing adults, seniors, and older people.

Results

8 out of 400 plus articles were reviewed, and 4 key approaches in ensuring active ageing in Canada were identified. From these, 5 public health-oriented plans are recommended for Sub-Saharan Africa: (1) there should be a shift in the conceptualisation of what physical activity entails, (2) it is necessary to build and strengthen collaboration between various stakeholders involved in planning, (3) raising awareness among older persons and the general population on the benefits in participating in physical activity, (4) encourage older persons to participate in culturally relevant physical activity, and (5) laying a better foundation for future generations of older persons.

Conclusion

Though more elaborate planning is required, these recommended plans will contribute to achieving average life expectancy beyond 60 years in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Health-Promotion Intervention Increases Self-Reported Physical Activity in Sub-Saharan African University Students: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

To evaluate the efficacy of a health-promotion intervention in increasing self-reported physical activity among university students in Sub-Saharan Africa. Randomly selected second-year students at a university in South Africa were randomized to an intervention based on social cognitive theory: health-promotion, targeting physical activity and fruit, vegetable, and fat consumption; or HIV risk-reduction, targeting sexual-risk behaviors. Participants completed assessments via audio computer-assisted self-interviewing pre-intervention and 6 and 12 months post-intervention. A total of 176 were randomized with 171 (97.2%) retained 12 months post-intervention. Generalized-estimating-equations analyses indicated that the health-promotion-intervention participants were more likely to meet physical-activity guidelines than were control participants, post-intervention, adjusting for pre-intervention physical activity (odds ratio [OR] = 3.35; 95% CI: 1.33-8.41). Health-promotion participants reported a greater number of days they did vigorous-intensity (risk ratio [RR] = 2.01; 95% CI: 1.43-2.83) and moderate-intensity (RR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.01-1.95) aerobic activity, but not strength-building activity (RR = 1.37; 95% CI: 0.091-2.07). The intervention reduced self-reported servings of fried foods (mean difference = -0.31; 95% CI: -0.60, -0.02). The findings suggest that theory-based, contextually appropriate interventions may increase physical activity among university students in Sub-Saharan Africa.