Know Your Numbers: A Promising NCD-Prevention Strategy in LMICS

Abstract

Background: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of deaths globally, responsible for 70% of global deaths with two-thirds of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries causing a double burden of disease. The Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS) has established the first comprehensive NCD Prevention and Control program in Cameroon with a screening component called “Know Your Numbers (KYN)” in response to the growing prevalence of NCDs in the country as noticed in our annual patients’ statistics. KYN is built on the scientific basis that NCDs develop insidiously and progress slowly over time, usually undetected. Aim: To raise awareness on NCDs, screen for risk in 7 health districts and refer for care and treatment. Methods: In partnership with the local government through health districts, we systematically measured blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference measurement as well as assessed the lifestyle risk exposure of all participants, age 18 and above, using a prepared Risk Exposure Assessment Form (REAF) and collected data which were entered into an electronic database by a trained data clerk for analysis using Epi Info v 7.1. Results: Of 10,000 adults who were screened, 20% were hypertensive (BP > 140 systolic or > 90 diastolic), 2% were prediabetic, 31% were overweight (BMI 25-29), and 26% were obese (BMI 30+). Over 98% of all participants had at least one risk factor for NCDs. Conclusion: NCDs pose a major risk to the health of Cameroonians. Risk factors abound and expose the population to high risk of developing these diseases within the next 5-10 years. KYN is a promising strategy to create awareness and link people with obesity for treatment. It may help reduce the prevalence of NCDs and their complications if scaled up.