Abstract
BackgroundThere is limited evidence about the prevalence and risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among older Ugandans. Therefore, this article is aimed at investigating the prevalence of self-reported NCDs and their associated risk factors using a nationally representative sample.DesignWe conducted a secondary analysis of the 2010 Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) using a weighted sample of 2,382 older people. Frequency distributions for descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests to identify the association between self-reported NCDs and selected explanatory variables were done. Finally, multivariable complementary log–log regressions to estimate the risk factors for self-reported NCDs among older people in Uganda were done.ResultsAbout 2 in 10 (23%) older persons reported at least one NCD [including hypertension (16%), diabetes (3%), and heart disease (9%)]. Among all older people, reporting NCDs was higher among those aged 60–69 and 70–79; Muslims; and Pentecostals and Seventh Day Adventists (SDAs). In addition, the likelihood of reporting NCDs was higher among older persons who depended on remittances and earned wages; owned a bicycle; were sick in the last 30 days; were disabled; and were women. Conversely, the odds of reporting NCDs were lower for those who were relatives of household heads and were poor.ConclusionsIn Uganda, self-reported NCDs were associated with advanced age, being a woman, having a disability, ill health in the past 30 days, being rich, depended on remittances and earning wages, being Muslim, Pentecostal and SDAs, and household headship. The Ministry of Health should prevent and manage NCDs by creating awareness in the public and improving the supply of essential drugs for these health conditions. Finally, there is a need for specialised surveillance studies of older people to monitor the trends and patterns of NCDs over time.
Highlights
There is limited evidence about the prevalence and risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among older Ugandans
There were significant differences in the reporting of NCDs between men and women Á older men had a lower prevalence of NCDs than older women did (16% vs. 30%; pB0.01)
Self-reported NCDs were associated with advanced age, household headship, being a woman, being Muslim or Pentecostal or Seventh Day Adventists (SDAs), being rich, being dependent on wages or remittances, being disabled, and ill in the last 30 days
Summary
There is limited evidence about the prevalence and risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among older Ugandans. This article is aimed at investigating the prevalence of selfreported NCDs and their associated risk factors using a nationally representative sample. Multivariable complementary logÁlog regressions to estimate the risk factors for self-reported NCDs among older people in Uganda were done. Among all older people, reporting NCDs was higher among those aged 60Á69 and 70Á79; Muslims; and Pentecostals and Seventh Day Adventists (SDAs). The likelihood of reporting NCDs was higher among older persons who depended on remittances and earned wages; owned a bicycle; were sick in the last 30 days; were disabled; and were women. Conclusions: In Uganda, self-reported NCDs were associated with advanced age, being a woman, having a disability, ill health in the past 30 days, being rich, depended on remittances and earning wages, being Muslim, Pentecostal and SDAs, and household headship. There is a need for specialised surveillance studies of older people to monitor the trends and patterns of NCDs over time
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