Knowledge and Risk Factors Prevalence of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Nigeria: a case study of Adult population in Delta State

Abstract

Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the major causes of mortality and morbidity globally. Knowledge about NCDs and their risk factors are not only considered critical in NCDs prevention and management, but hold the potential to reduce the burden. This cross-sectional descriptive study was aimed at determining NCDs knowledge level and risk factors prevalence among adult population in Delta State. A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the participants and was then subjected to data analysis using of SPSS version 20. Findings shows low knowledge of NCDs and its risk factors with only 16.66% having good knowledge of NCDs and 12.17% good knowledge level of its risk factors. Prevalence profile of the risk factors among the participants revealed varied responses, with four risks factors showing high prevalence value of above 20%: sedentarism (23.96%); high fast foods consumption (39.79%); inadequate fruit and vegetable (37.70%); excess soft drinks consumption (62.71%). Hypertension was the most self -reported NCDs among the studied population (43.75%); followed by arthritis and low back pain (23.13%); Bronchial asthma (20.42%) and diabetes (8.54%). These findings revealed clustering of NCDs risk factors among the studied population, thus an expected increase in NCDs burden consequently. Since most of these risk factors can be reduced by behavioral modifications, population -wide education on NCDs and its risks factors as well as the strengthening of existing Primary health care centers for early detection of NCDs is herewith suggested.