Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors and Its Regional Distribution in Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing as the main cause of death, disability, unproductivity and indisposition in Ethiopia. Objectives:The objectives of this study were to establish healthcare professionals' perception on non-communicable disease risk factors and their regional distribution in Ethiopia. Methods:A mixed method sequential explanatory design was conducted with a questionnaire survey obtaining quantitative replies from 312 healthcare professionals working in 13 referral hospitals in the first phase and qualitative data among 13 hospital managers in the second phase.Results: Statistically significant prevalence of NCDs risk factors were reported with the lack of physical exercise (M=4.94, SD=.245, t (311) = 139.383; p < .0005), hypertension (M=4.89, SD=.312, t (311) = 107.021; p < .0005), and unhealthy diet (M=4.61, SD=.782, t (311) = 36.426; p < .0005) ranking as the top three leading NCDs risk factors. The prevalence and distribution of NCDs risk factors varied within Ethiopia, with a high perceived prevalence of lack of physical exercise, unhealthy diet, alcohol use, and blood glucose in Addis Ababa city followed by Amhara region. A high prevalence of tobacco use and hypertension was also observed in the regions of Benishangul Gumuz. Conclusion:The results revealed that the prevalence of NCDs risk factors are increasing in different regions of Ethiopia. Regionally specific non-communicable disease intervention strategies are required to revert the growing burden of the risk factors effectively.

The Global Burden and Perspectives on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the Prevention, Data Availability and Systems Approach of NCDs in Low-resource Countries

“…In low-resourced countries, the wrong perceptions about body image contribute to consume unhealthy dietary sources such as high level of trans fats, saturated fats, raw beef, goat meats, and fast foods [47]. In some Asian and the majority of African countries, having a big, fat stomach is considered as being charismatic, powerful, healthy, and perceived as a sign of wealthy [1,48]. Following this perception, a more significant number (52%) of the public consumes high-fatty food substances which spontaneously results in acquiring NCDs [1,49,50].…”

“…In some Asian and the majority of African countries, having a big, fat stomach is considered as being charismatic, powerful, healthy, and perceived as a sign of wealthy [1,48]. Following this perception, a more significant number (52%) of the public consumes high-fatty food substances which spontaneously results in acquiring NCDs [1,49,50]. Figures 3a-c depicts examples of red meats, such as raw beef meat called "Kurt Siga", red raw ground beef with spices and yoghurt called "Kitfo", and partially roasted meat respectively of which high levels of consumption and frequent consumption increased risk of NCDs due to high fat levels [1,50].…”

“…Following this perception, a more significant number (52%) of the public consumes high-fatty food substances which spontaneously results in acquiring NCDs [1,49,50]. Figures 3a-c depicts examples of red meats, such as raw beef meat called "Kurt Siga", red raw ground beef with spices and yoghurt called "Kitfo", and partially roasted meat respectively of which high levels of consumption and frequent consumption increased risk of NCDs due to high fat levels [1,50]. This dietary practice is very customary amongst the diverse Ethiopian communities.…”

“…Conversely, it is uncertain, in low-resourced countries at a much lower economic level, how these declarations of commitment will be interpreted and implemented [33][34][35]. The prioritising of infectious communicable disease, a frail healthcare system, and poorly designed NCDs prevention policies prevent low-resourced countries not to implement these declarations of commitment [1,4].…”

“…The Global Burden and Perspectives on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.89516 which incorporates: "1) by 2015, consider setting national NCD targets for 2025, 2) by 2015, consider developing national multisector policies and plans to achieve the national targets by 2025; 3) by 2016, reduce risk factors for NCDs, building on guidance set out in the WHO Global NCD Action Plan, and 4) by 2016, strengthen health systems to address NCDs through people-centred primary health care and universal health coverage, building on guidance set out in WHO Global NCD Action Plan" [28]. Despite the formulation of these four additional time-bound commitments by United Nations High-Level meeting, progress made by the majority of low-resourced countries is plodding and incomparable with that of high-resourced countries [1,36].…”