| dc.description.abstract |
Introduction: non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
are projected to become the leading cause of
death in Africa by 2030. Gender and socio-
economic differences influence the prevalence of
NCDs and their risk factors. Methods: we
performed a secondary analysis of the STEPS 2015
data to determine prevalence and correlation
between diabetes, hypertension, harmful alcohol
use, smoking, obesity and injuries across age,
gender, residence and socio-economic strata.
Results: tobacco use prevalence was 13.5% (males
19.9%, females 0.9%, p<0.001); harmful alcohol
use was 12.6% (males 18.1%, females 2.2%,
p<0.001); central obesity was 27.9% (females
49.5%, males 32.9%, p=0.017); type 2 diabetes
prevalence 3.1% (males 2.0%, females 2.8%,
p=0.048); elevated blood pressure prevalence was
23.8% (males 25.1%, females 22.6%, p<0.001),
non-use of helmets 72.8% (males 89.5%, females
56.0%, p=0.031) and seat belts non-use 67.9%
(males 79.8%, females 56.0%, p=0.027).
Respondents with <12 years of formal education
had higher prevalence of non-use of helmets
(81.7% versus 54.1%, p=0.03) and seat belts
(73.0% versus 53.9%, p=0.039). Respondents in the
highest wealth quintile had higher prevalence of
type II diabetes compared with those in the lowest
(5.2% versus 1.6%,p=0.008). Rural dwellers had
35% less odds of tobacco use (aOR 0.65, 95% CI
0.49, 0.86) compared with urban dwellers, those
with ≥12 years of formal education had 89% less
odds of tobacco use (aOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.07, 0.17)
compared with <12 years, and those belonging to
the wealthiest quintile had 64% higher odds of
unhealthy diets (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.26, 2.14). Only
44% of respondents with type II diabetes and 16%
with hypertension were aware of their diagnosis.
Conclusion: prevalence of NCD risk factors is high
in Kenya and varies across socio-demographic
attributes. Socio-demographic considerations
should form part of multi-sectoral, integrated
approach to reduce the NCD burden in Kenya. |
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