Non-communicable diseases: Prevalence and Risk Factors among Adults in a Rural Community in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are chronic medical conditions that are non-infectious. Current projections indicate that by 2020, the largest increases in NCD deaths will occur in Africa which currently has a heavy burden of infectious diseases. The aim of this study was determine the risk factors for NCDs and prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity among adults in a rural community in north-central Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was carried out among adults in Gindiri Community of Plateau State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 195 respondents. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the respondents and was then subjected to data analysis using Epi Info version 3.5.3.Among the respondents, 152 (77.9%) were females and 43 (22.1%) males with a mean age of 47.5 +/- 18.8 years. Only 44.9% of respondents engaged in physical activity at least twice a week with a mean duration of 69 minutes per session. Forty-four percent rarely take fruits and vegetables, 18.6% add raw salt to already-prepared meals; 82.1% take sweet/soft drinks with 12.1% who take at least 5 times a week, and 16.9% take snacks daily. Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus and obesity was found to be 40.2%, 9.7% and 27.2% respectively. Understanding the risk factors for NCDs is vital in tackling the increasing prevalence of NCDs in rural and urban communities. Targeted interventions should also be expanded to include rural communities as well.