Prevalence of non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) in an urban area in Sudan and the role of medical students in health promotion of patients with NCDs

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic non-communicable diseases are prevalent conditions in developing countries, such as Sudan. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends ongoing surveillance of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to assess the prevalence of NCDs in urban area in Sudan and the role of medical students in health promotion of patients with NCDs. Materials and methods: A community–based cross-sectional study, conducted in 2022 among families in Wad-Medani city in central part of Sudan. A structured interviewer- administered; questionnaire was used for data collection, it included demographic data, the presence of any type of NCDs. The last part of the questionnaire was filled by medical students about their role in health promotion and health education to patients with NCDs. Results: The total number of population who participated in this study was 607. The prevalence of NCDs in the study population was 20%. Out of those who had NCDs 35% had diabetes mellitus, 40% had hypertension. Bronchial asthma was found in 12% of the individuals, cardiovascular diseases were found in 4%. There were significant association between the age of the patient and the occurrence of diabetes and hypertension (P-value. 0.000 and 0.001) respectively. Role of medical students in the health promotion of patients with NCDs was health education, advised for regular follow up in PHC centres to 40% 0f patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of NCDs among the study population was high with hypertension as the most prevalent chronic condition. Medical students play great role in the health promotion of patients with NCDs.