Knowledge Of Non-communicable Diseases Research Articles

Knowledge of non-communicable diseases and access to healthcare services among adults before and during COVID-19 pandemic in rural Tanzania.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected access to healthcare services, particularly among individuals living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) who require regular healthcare visits. Studies suggest that knowledge about a specific disease is closely linked to the ability to access services for that condition. In preparation for the future, we conducted the study to assess knowledge of NCDs and access to healthcare services among adults residing in rural areas before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in rural Tanzania in October 2022, a few months after the end of the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 689 community residents participated in the study. The level of knowledge of NCDs was assessed using an 11-item Likert questionnaire, which was later dichotomized into adequate and inadequate levels of knowledge. In addition, access to healthcare was assessed before and during the pandemic. We summarized the results using descriptive statistics and logistic regression was applied to determine factors associated with adequate levels of knowledge of NCDs. All statistical tests were two-sided; a p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. All data analyses were performed using SPSS. Among 689 participants, more than half 369 (55%) had adequate knowledge of whether a disease is NCD or not; specifically, 495 (73.8%), 465 (69.3%), and 349 (52%) knew that hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and stroke are NCDs while 424 (63.2%) know that UTI is not NCD. Of the interviewed participants, 75 (11.2%) had at least one NCD. During the COVID-19 pandemic the majority 57 (72.2%) accessed healthcare services from nearby health facilities followed by traditional healers 10 (12.7%) and community drug outlets 8 (10.1%). Residence and education level were found to be significantly associated with knowledge of NCDs among participants. The study revealed that the community has a moderate level of knowledge of NCDs, and during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreaks, people living with NCD (s) relied on nearby health facilities to obtain healthcare services. Health system preparedness and response to pandemics should take into account empowering the community members to understand that NCD care is continuously needed even during pandemic times. We further advocate for a qualitative study to explore contextual factors influencing the knowledge of NCDs and access to healthcare services beyond the big domains of education and residence.

Knowledge and lifestyle practices associated with non-communicable diseases risk factors among undergraduate students, Thiruvananthapuram, India: a mixed method study

Background: Behaviors established in youth especially in college, have lifelong implications on themselves and their close family members. We intended to assess the knowledge of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) risk factors and associated lifestyle practices among undergraduate students. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional concurrent mixed method study among undergraduate students (n=486) aged 18-21 years, Kerala, India. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. In-depth interviews of five students were conducted from each college. Physical measurements including height and weight of the students were measured and reported to the participants. Data was collected from January to March 2019. Results: Forty-four percent (n=200) participants’ fathers were laborers or semi-skilled workers. Only 42.8% (n=208) of students had body mass index (BMI) within normal range. Nearly three fifth of students (58%, n=282) had poor knowledge of NCDs and proportion of students with knowledge of balanced breakfast was 11% (n=53). Regarding lifestyle practices, daily fruit intake was low (10%, n=45) and participants consuming vegetables daily was less than 40% (n=191). Lack of infrastructure supporting physical activities and healthy food choices at home and outside are some reasons mentioned by participants for sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary practices. Parental involvement played an important role in practicing healthy dietary practices and performing physical activity for leisure. Conclusions: The knowledge and practices of undergraduate students regarding primary prevention of NCDs was poor. Community level action with involvement of parents will be helpful in the primary prevention of NCDs.

Knowledge of Noncommunicable Diseases and Social Media among Secondary School Teachers in Akinyele Local Government Area Oyo State Nigeria

Abstract Background: Social media (SM) are now widely available and can potentially play an important role in the prevention of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). The school environment is a key location for educating children about NCDs and the teachers’ level of knowledge may have an impact on them. This study investigated the knowledge of NCDs and SM among secondary school teachers. Materials and Methods: Using a self-administered questionnaire, data were collected from 423 randomly selected male and female secondary school teachers teaching in both public and private secondary schools located in Akinyele Local Government Area, Oyo State, in May 2018. Knowledge of SM was measured on a 10-point scale (scores 0–3, 4–6, and 7–10 were rated as poor, fair, and good, respectively), while knowledge of NCDs was measured on a 28-point scale (scores 0–8, 9–18, and 19–28 were rated as poor, fair, and good, respectively). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression tests at a 5% level of significance. Results: Findings showed that the mean age of respondents was 33.5 ± 0.5 and 52.5% were female. About half (51.5%) of the respondents had good knowledge of SM. Less than half (28.1%) had good knowledge of NCDs. Knowledge of SM was significantly associated with age (P &lt; 0.001), while knowledge of NCDs had no significant association. Conclusion: Based on these results, a gap exists regarding teachers’ knowledge of NCDs. Health professionals may contribute to teacher training curriculum development to include health education targeted toward NCD prevention.

Barriers and facilitators of people living with HIV receiving optimal care for hypertension and diabetes in Tanzania: a qualitative study with healthcare professionals and people living with HIV

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) are at a higher risk for developing diabetes and hypertension. Often services are separate for HIV and non-communicable diseases (NCDs), but how this impacts NCD care among PLWH is unknown. We aimed to understand the barriers and facilitators for prevention, early diagnosis and safe effective care for diabetes and hypertension among PLWH.MethodsSemi-structured interviews (SSIs) were conducted with 10 healthcare professionals (HCPs) that care for PLWH, 10 HCPs that care for people with diabetes and hypertension and 16 PLWH with a comorbidity of diabetes and/or hypertension. Participants were recruited from two healthcare facilities in Dodoma, Tanzania and purposively sampled based on age and sex. Interviews were conducted in Swahili using pre-developed topic guides, audio recorded then translated verbatim into English. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted using The Framework Method.ResultsThree themes were found: organisational/healthcare system factors, individual factors and syndemic factors. Organisational/healthcare system factors comprised the only facilitators for prevention (education on lifestyle behaviours and counselling on adherence), but included the most barriers overall: fragmented services, no protocol for NCD screening and lack of access to diagnostic equipment were barriers for early diagnosis whereas the former plus lack of continuity of NCD care were barriers for safe effective care. Individual factors comprised four sub-themes, three of which were considered facilitators: HCPs’ knowledge of NCDs for early diagnosis, self-monitoring of NCDs for safe effective care and HCPs’ personal practice for both early diagnosis and safe effective care. HCPs’ knowledge was simultaneously a barrier for prevention and PLWH knowledge was a barrier for prevention and safe effective care. Syndemic factors comprised three sub-themes; all were barriers for prevention, early diagnosis and/or safe effective care: poverty and mental health of PLWH and HIV stigma.ConclusionsOrganisational/healthcare system, individual and syndemic factors were found to be interlinked with barriers and facilitators that contribute to the prevention, early diagnosis and safe effective care of diabetes and hypertension among PLWH in Tanzania; these findings can inform future initiatives for making small and large health system changes to improve the health of aging PLWH.

Nasyiyatul Aisyiyah Empowerment as a Motor for Community Care for Non-Communicable Diseases in Adolescents at Patukan Mosque

Indonesia is currently facing a double burden of disease, namely communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases that are not caused by bacterial infections, including chronic degenerative diseases such as heart disease, diabetes mellitus (DM), cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), disorders due to accidents and acts of violence which are the highest causes of death in Indonesia, and increase in recent years. Initially, these diseases primarily affect the elderly due to degeneration, but in reality, they also affect young people. Therefore, increasing awareness to check their health in younger generation is very important. The purpose of this service is to increase the knowledge and skills of adolescents regarding their own health, especially in preventing NCDs in adolescents. The method used was lectures and practice to members of the Nasyiatul Aisyiyah (NA) and Youth of the Al Ikhsan Patukan mosque. The result of this activity was an increase in participants’ knowledge of NCDs. The training activities were enthusiastically followed by the practice of checking blood pressure and reading HB levels. This activity was followed by youth health check-ups at the Patukan mosque. In conclusion, this activity went smoothly and was completed. NA runs monthly health check-ups from mosque to mosque as a monthly agenda.

Knowledge of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya.

Exposure to risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) begins early especially during adolescence while morbidity and mortality occurs mainly in adulthood. To assess the level of knowledge of major NCDs (cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes) and risk factors among adolescents in a semi-urban setting. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used to collect data. The study targeted students attending mixed secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County in Kenya. An adapted knowledge assessment questionnaire relating to chronic diseases of lifestyle was used for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25. A total of 1,281 students participated in the study. The results revealed that most of the participants (62.1%) had low levels of knowledge about NCD risk factors. Very few students in the present study recognized the role of family history and genetic predisposition as potential risk factors of hypertension (18%) and diabetes (24.7%) as well as the normal blood pressure (35.9%) and blood glucose levels (20.5%). Although most of the students identified alcohol and smoking as risk factors for cancer, half (51.6%) of them did not have the knowledge that regular physical activity reduces the risk of getting cancer. Many of the adolescents in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya had low level of knowledge regarding NCDs and their risk factors. The findings of this study highlight the need for a school-based intervention programme to raise awareness of non-communicable disease risk factors among adolescents.

Patterns of Non-Communicable Disease, Multimorbidity, and Population Awareness in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Ethiopia, like other developing countries, is going through an epidemiological transition, and high rates of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are having a significant impact on the health system; however, there is limited evidence about community level NCD prevalence, multimorbidity, and population awareness that could inform targeted interventions and policy responses. This study aimed to identify factors associated with NCD prevalence, multimorbidity, and population awareness of NCDs in Bahir Dar, Northwest Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 417 randomly sampled adults. We performed descriptive and logistic regression analyses to evaluate associations between NCD prevalence (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, chronic kidney disease, and hypertension) multimorbidity (2 or more NCDs) and demographic, socioeconomic, individual risk factors, anthropometrics, knowledge, and attitude. This study reveals that 24% of participating adults have an NCD, and 8% have multimorbidity. One-third (34.5%) have some NCD knowledge, and 75% consider NCDs more dangerous than communicable diseases. We find low NCD prevalence in participants: younger than 40 years of age (AOR 0.17, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.39); with normal body mass index (AOR 0.27, 0.10 to 0.77) and; with a family history of NCD (AOR 7.7, 4.2 to 14.1). Multimorbidity is lower in young adults (AOR 0.08, 0.03 to 0.26). NCD knowledge is higher in men (AOR 1.76, 1.06 to 2.93) and employed adults (AOR 2.91, 1.52 to 5.57), and NCD attitude in normal-weight adults (AOR 3.23, 1.42 to 7.39). This study reveals a high prevalence of NCD and overall low NCD awareness in the population. Age above 40 years, family history of NCD, and weight in the obese category are significant predictors of NCD prevalence. These findings can help health professionals, health offices, and concerned stakeholders to plan targeted health interventions to reduce NCDs in the population.

An Evaluation of Community Health Workers' Knowledge, Attitude and Personal Lifestyle Behaviour in Non-Communicable Disease Health Promotion and Their Association with Self-Efficacy and NCD-Risk Perception.

Community health workers, also known as health extension workers (HEWs), play an important role in health promotion. This study evaluates HEWs' knowledge, attitude, and self-efficacy for non-communicable diseases (NCD) health promotion. HEWs (n = 203) completed a structured questionnaire on knowledge, attitude, behaviour, self-efficacy and NCD risk perception. Regression analysis was used to determine the association between self-efficacy and NCD risk perception with knowledge (high, medium, low), attitude (favourable/unfavourable) and physical activity (sufficient/insufficient). HEWs with higher self-efficacy were more likely to have high NCD knowledge (AOR: 2.21; 95% CI: 1.21. 4.07), favourable attitude towards NCD health promotion (AOR: 6.27; 95% CI: 3.11. 12.61) and were more physically active (AOR: 2.27; 95% CI: 1.08. 4.74) than those with lower self-efficacy. HEWs with higher NCD susceptibility (AOR: 1.89; 95% CI: 1.04. 3.47) and perceived severity (AOR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.46, 4.93) had higher odds of NCD knowledge than their counterparts. Moreover, sufficient physical activity was influenced by HEWs' perceived NCD susceptibility and perceived benefits of lifestyle change. Therefore, HEWs need to adopt healthy lifestyle choices to become effective role models for the community. Our findings highlight the need to include a healthy lifestyle when training HEWs, which might increase self-efficacy for NCD health promotion.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices on Non-Communicable Diseases among Students and Staff at the Dar es Salaam University College of Education in Tanzania

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are among the major public health problems facing the world today. Despite contributing to over half of all deaths worldwide, and being a major challenge in low- and middle-income countries, NCDs have received less attention. In Tanzania, studies focusing on the assessment of comprehensive knowledge of NCDs are lacking. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE) community on selected NCDs. A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices on selected NCDs. The study involved both students and staff at the DUCE. A descriptive analysis was adopted for the quantitative data collected through structured questionnaires. The study findings show that the general knowledge of the DUCE community about some selected NCDs was generally high. However, there was a very low level of knowledge about risk factors, early symptoms and preventive measures. Regarding risk factors, a very small proportion of students (1.6%) and staff (3.1%) consumed tobacco products. Only 75 (13.1%) of students and 70 (36.5%) of staff consumed alcohol. The intake of fruits and vegetables among the community was insufficient. About 493 (86%) of the students and 135 (70.3%) of the staff added salt or salty sauce to their meals. As for physical activities, 234 (40.8%) of the students and 99 (51.6%) of the staff reported that they ran or participated in games and sports for at least one day in a week. The study concludes that while generally there is a high level of knowledge about NCDs, there is a very low level of knowledge about risk factors, early symptoms and preventive measures. The study underlines the need to increase the awareness of the DUCE population on risk factors associated with NCDs, early signs and preventive measures that people should take to prevent NCDs in the future.

Pharmacists' continuing professional development for non-communicable diseases management: A consensus study.

Pharmaceutical care for non-communicable diseases (NCD) in Indonesia needs improvement especially in provinces like Kalimantan Selatan (Kalsel) with increasing NCD prevalence. This research explored possible improvements for Kalsel pharmacists NCD Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes. The study aims to identify Kalsel pharmacists' engagement with, experiences of, and expectations for NCD-focused CPD activities, and CPD stakeholders' views on these expectations. This sequential mixed-methods study used a quantitative survey to map Kalsel pharmacists' CPD engagement and preferences. The survey findings, and Kalsel pharmacists' knowledge and skills in NCD management, were further explored in four geographically-diverse focus group discussions (FGDs). Triangulated findings from the survey and FGDs were presented to pharmacist CPD stakeholders in a modified Nominal Group Technique (NGT) discussion, resulting in a prioritised list of CPD activities and allocation of local leadership for each activity. The survey response rate was 51% (249/490) with fair representation of the geographic spread. CPD sessions were seen as a social event to network with colleagues (34%) and improve knowledge (31%). Major hindrances for participation were work commitments (25%) and travel needs (22%). Most participants (64%), especially the more senior, preferred explicitly interactive CPD formats (adjusted odds ratio 0.94 for each additional year from graduation; 95% confidence interval 0.89-0.99; p=0.036). The FGDs identified challenges in managing NCD, strengths and gaps in NCD knowledge, and preferences for NCD CPD. The modified NGT produced 12 actions which five major stakeholders agreed to lead. An explicitly interactive NCD CPD programme based on a community of practice model and supported by blended learning is likely to be most effective for pharmacists in the Kalimantan Selatan province of Indonesia. A co-designed multi-stakeholder systems-based approach to CPD programme, as used in this study, is likely to increase the engagement and success of the programme.

Building the capacity of community health volunteers for non-communicable disease prevention in low-income urban communities in Malaysia

Background To address the rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Malaysia, the Better Health Programme Malaysia (BHP MYS) engaged and trained community health volunteers (CHVs) to undertake health promotion activities with poor urban communities in Kuala Lumpur to reduce their NCD risk. This study evaluates the extent that the capacity-building programme achieved the objectives of increasing knowledge and confidence in NCD prevention and adopting personal lifestyle changes. Methods A capacity-building programme was designed to emphasise active learning approaches and blended learning (in-person and digital) and was delivered between January to December 2021 (during the Malaysian Government “Movement Control Orders” in response to the COVID-19 pandemic). Thirty CHVs participated in the capacity-building programme. A mixed methods evaluation approach was used, including quantitative surveys and routine data, focus group discussions, and semi-structured interviews. Findings Community Health Volunteers increased their NCD knowledge (85.2% provided correct answers in post-programme assessment compared to 43.3% at pre-programme assessment), made changes to their dietary and physical activity practices (100%), and adopted new engagement techniques, particularly a digital social influencer role for NCD behaviour change. The most important factors for sustaining participation were individual motivation and a supportive environment. CHVs were satisfied with the blended in-person-digital approach and perceived that the usefulness and applicability of the health information received was the primary benefit across all delivery modes. Cohort-based, active learning approaches and actionable messages can encourage learning retention and facilitate application. Dedicated technical support and ‘job aid’ tools are required for CHVs to perform and sustain NCD prevention roles effectively. Conclusions The capacity-building programme effectively increased CHV capacities to address NCDs in their own lives and communities and was acceptable to CHVs. The findings suggest the value of cohort-based, active learning approaches in building capacity. Expanding on capacity-building and sustaining involvement are important considerations for this cohort and, in general, for health volunteer capacity-building in Malaysia and elsewhere.

The influence of clinic care on perceptions and knowledge of non-communicable diseases and physical activity from a low-resourced community: a mixed-method study

BackgroundHealth promotion for the management of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is an integral part of standard care in South Africa. Most persons presenting with NCDs utilise public primary health care centres for disease management. This mixed-methods study aimed at expanding current understanding of the the influence of standard clinic care (usual care) on perceptions and knowledge of risk factors for NCDs and physical activity (PA) among persons from a low-resourced community. Qualitatively the perceptions of women from a low-resourced community about risk factors for NCDs and PA were explored throughout 24-weeks of standard clinic care. Parallel quantitative data was collected to describe changes in risk factors for NCDs and trends in self-reported knowledge about risk factors of NCDs and PA.MethodA convergent-parallel mixed-methods research design was used. The study was carried out in a public primary health care setting, in the North West Province, South Africa. From a convenience sample of 100 participants, 77 African women aged between 34 and 79 years were recruited for the study. Data were collected at three time-points including baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks of a standard clinic care health-promotion programme. The qualitative data was collected during focus group discussions, and the quantitative data included questionnaires on knowledge of physical activity and risk factors for NCDs as well as anthropometric and biological measurements. Qualitative and quantitative data were analysed independently for each phase and then consolidated for interpretation. All data was collected in the same setting.ResultsParticipants' initial understanding and perceptions of NCD risk factors were poor. Qualitative findings showed that participants knew little about the specific physical activity they could engage in and the role of PA in NCD management. Participants preferred low-intensity activities. Heart-disease knowledge improved significantly at 12 weeks intervention compared to baseline MD = -3.655, p < 0.001. There were improvements in PA knowledge at 12 weeks from baseline MD = -0.625 p = 0.02. There were significant weight (MD = 1.420, p = 0.002) and waist circumference reductions (MD = 0.621, p = 0.02) from baseline to 24 weeks.ConclusionStandard clinic care improved knowledge of physical activity and risk factors for NCDs, but perceptions of risk factors for NCDs and PA were unchanged. This study offers insight into the perceptions held by women from a low-resource setting and how future interventions to manage and prevent NCDs should be structured.Trial registrationPACTR201609001771813.

Effectiveness of Health Promotion Curriculum in Enhancing Non-communicable Diseases Health Literacy in Indian Youth.

BackgroundThere is a theory-praxis gap related to health literacy interventions focused on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among young people. We designed an NCD curriculum and investigated its’ effect on health literacy in non-medical, non-nursing college students in India. We deliberately selected non-medical and non-nursing college students (age 17 to 22 years) as we hypothesized, they would have a minimum baseline knowledge of NCDs.MethodsWe initially carried out a pilot study on 85 students in a four-day-long workshop (32 teaching hours) using empirically developed health literacy instrument. We administered the curriculum to 120 randomly selected students in four colleges, while 50 students were assigned to the comparison group. The curriculum was given over four days for a total of 32 hours. Approval was sought to give four credits for completion of the course. Each lecture comprised didactics, followed by discussion, and skills testing of measuring blood pressure and blood sugar. Health literacy was measured using a specifically designed tool at baseline and endline. The difference in health literacy scores between the two time-points (timepoint 1: before delivering the curriculum, time-point 2: at the end of four days of training) was analyzed using the t-test. Multiple linear and Poisson regression models were used to account for covariates.ResultsThe average difference between the intervention and the control group in baseline scores was 0.05% points (unpaired t-test statistics: -1.36, degrees of freedom 103.15, p>0.05). The same at endline was 20.59% points (unpaired t-test statistics: -11.31, degrees of freedom 138.14, p<0.001). The endline to baseline difference in health literacy scores was 18.54% points higher in the intervention group versus the control group (unpaired t-test statistics: -10.88, degrees of freedom 161.32, p<0.001). The difference-in-difference scores remained significant after accounting for college setting and baseline score (Multivariable linear regression model, β: 19.62% points, p<0.001). None of the socio-economic characteristics were significantly associated with the difference in the difference scores, independent of the intervention effect. The proportion of participants scoring 40% or above on the health literacy measure at endline was significantly higher in the intervention versus the control group (p<0.001).ConclusionsWe provide empirical data to support the incorporation of NCDs as a credit course in college curricula in low- and middle-income countries. Our findings showed that a theory-driven skills-focused curriculum may be a tool for enhancing NCD health literacy in Indian youth from diverse academic and socio-economic backgrounds.

Perceptions and knowledge of school management teams about non-communicable diseases and strategies to prevent them.

BackgroundIn 2016, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were reported to be responsible for 41 million of the world’s 57 million deaths. These deaths were reported to be associated with modifiable lifestyle behaviours, such as tobacco smoking, poor physical activity and diets of poor nutritional value. There could be a knowledge gap on NCD risk factors amongst non-health professionals. Knowledge of NCDs is, therefore, important for the implementation of preventive measures to onset of NCDs.AimThis study aimed at describing perceptions and knowledge of school management teams about NCDs and strategies to prevent them.SettingThis study was conducted in Mt Frere, South Africa.MethodsThis explorative qualitative study using a phenomenological data collection approach was conducted amongst purposively selected school authorities in 2016–2017 to understand their perceptions and knowledge about NCDs and what can be performed to prevent them. Two focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted using open-ended and unstructured questions guided by interview schedule. Tesch’s eight phases of thematic analysis approach was used to analyse narrative data resulting in two main themes and nine subthemes.ResultsTwo themes (understanding and prevention of NCDs, and control measures for NCDs) and nine sub-themes emerged from the data analysis. Inconsistent description of NCDs, its causes and controls were identified amongst school management teams in the FGD. Diet, poverty, societal factors, gaps between decision makers and communities, and poor policy implementation were identified by participants as major issues in the development of NCDs.ConclusionThere was no adequate knowledge on NCDs amongst the school management team participants. Improved visibility of health promotion personnel is needed to ensure community empowerment on NCDs prevention.ContributionThe findings in this study will help in closing the gaps in the implementation of preventive health services for NCDs within school health.

Knowledge of Non-Communicable Diseases and Risk Factors among Final Year Students in a Tertiary Institution

Background and Objective: Chronic or non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rapidly emerging as leading causes of morbidity and premature mortalities globally, with greater effect being felt in low and middle income nations. As poor health behaviours practised in youthful years have been implicated in developing NCDs in later years in life, It is important to understand the level of awareness of young people regarding NCDs in order to remedy any knowledge gaps and encourage healthy practices among them that will reduce the burden of these diseases in later life. This study seeks to describe the knowledge of two groups of final year students of a tertiary institution in Nigeria on the awareness and knowledge of non-communicable diseases and their risk factors.&#x0D; Methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional survey at the University of Lagos, Nigeria during the 2017/2018 academic session. A sample size of 422 final year students were used with convenient stratification. Self administered questionnaires was distributed to the class of students who consented to participating in the study. The questionnaires were used to assess the level of awareness of the students of non communicable diseases and their risk factors. Data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed using SPSS version 21.&#x0D; Results: A result of 94.7% was obtained. The results show 89.5% versus 65% of students in health related discipline (college of medicine campus) and those in Akoka campus respectively had good knowledge of NCDs and their risk factors while 10.5% versus 35% had poor knowledge.&#x0D; Conclusion: Students in the campus of college of medicine had more knowledge of NCDs and their risk factors. Campus location of students had statistically significant relationship with awareness and knowledge on NCDs. (p, &lt;0.05).

Relationship Of Knowledge, Attitude, And Perception Of Disease With The Utilization Of Health Services For Non-Convertive Diseases In Rsud Haji Makassar

Currently, the health challenge in Indonesia is the epidemiological transition, which is known as three disease burdens, namely the high prevalence of infectious diseases, the increase in non-communicable diseases and diseases that should have been resolved before but have re-emerged. Non-communicable diseases require more attention, as the productive age increases in Indonesia, several factors such as lifestyle, diet, and others make non-communicable diseases increase, so health needs to receive attention in increasing the degree of public health, one of which is health services. This study aims to determine the relationship between knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of pain with the utilization of health services for patients with non-communicable diseases at Regional General Hospital (RSUD) Haji Makassar. This research is a quantitative study with an observational approach using a cross sectional design. The population in this study were 1037 patients with non-communicable diseases at Haji Makassar Hospital. The sample selection used accidental sampling technique, in order to obtain a sample of 87 people. Data analysis used univariate and bivariate analysis. The results of this study indicate that knowledge of non-communicable diseases (ρ = 0.000), attitude of officers (ρ = 0.100), and perception of pain (ρ = 0.016). Suggestions to the hospital to make improvements regarding the condition of the hospital, the availability of facilities, types, or variations of health services that are more complete. Doctors, nurses or officers give more special attention to the patient's condition when providing services and further explain the patient's health condition.

Knowledge of Non-communicable Disease Risk Factors among Community Health Workers in South Africa

Introduction: Community Health Workers play an important role in supporting patients with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), therefore they need to be constantly updated with current knowledge to enable them to perform their activities effectively. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of NCDs risk factors among Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa. Methodology: A triple “A” approach (assessment, analysis, and action) was used among 40 CHWs working with patients with chronic non-communicable diseases. All CHWs gave voluntary, informed consent in writing and verbally before they were allowed to participate in the study. For the initial assessment, CHWs completed a questionnaire to assess knowledge about the knowledge of NCDs. The questionnaire was analysed to determine their baseline performance. The findings of the assessment identified shortcomings in the knowledge of CHWs, specifically on diabetes and hypertension knowledge. Feedback was given to the CHWs followed by a short training on healthy living, focusing on the risk factors associated with NCDs (diabetes and hypertension). Training of CHWs was conducted using an adapted national training programme together with CHW prevention of healthy lifestyle modules designed by experts from the School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape. All statistical tests were two-tailed, and p&lt;.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The majority (97.5%) of the CHWs who had their knowledge assessed were women. Fifty-five percent (55%) were within age 30-45 years, while 45% were between the ages 46-60 years. The majority of the participants had secondary school education (92.5%) and 1-15 years of experience (97.5%) as CHWs. The results of the post-training assessment revealed that 48.5%, 63.6%, 42.4%, 72.7%, 42.5%, 57.6%, and 18.2% had poor knowledge of diabetes, hypertension, diabetes complications, hypertension complications, advice for diabetic patient, advice for hypertension, and nutrition advice of NCDs, respectively. Regression analysis showed that those with higher education levels were significantly highly likely to be knowledgeable about hypertension complications (OR=19.6, CI=1.14, 336.0). Conclusion: There was poor knowledge of risk factors for NCDs among CHWs. An association exists between the knowledge of risk factors for NCDs and education levels among the participants. There is a need for regular refresher training programs for CHWs to upscale their knowledge about NCDs, coupled with frequent review of CHWs program and curriculum.

Adapting and implementing training, guidelines and treatment cards to improve primary care-based hypertension and diabetes management in a fragile context: results of a feasibility study in Sierra Leone

BackgroundSierra Leone, a fragile country, is facing an increasingly significant burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Facilitated by an international partnership, a project was developed to adapt and pilot desktop guidelines and other clinical support tools to strengthen primary care-based hypertension and diabetes diagnosis and management in Bombali district, Sierra Leone between 2018 and 2019. This study assesses the feasibility of the project through analysis of the processes of intervention adaptation and development, delivery of training and implementation of a care improvement package and preliminary outcomes of the intervention.MethodsA mixed-method approach was used for the assessment, including 51 semi-structured interviews, review of routine treatment cards (retrieved for newly registered hypertensive and diabetic patients from June 2018 to March 2019 followed up for three months) and mentoring data, and observation of training. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data and descriptive trend analysis and t-test was used for quantitative data, wherever appropriate.ResultsA Technical Working Group, established at district and national level, helped to adapt and develop the context-specific desktop guidelines for clinical management and lifestyle interventions and associated training curriculum and modules for community health officers (CHOs). Following a four-day training of CHOs, focusing on communication skills, diagnosis and management of hypertension and diabetes, and thanks to a CHO-based mentorship strategy, there was observed improvement of NCD knowledge and care processes regarding diagnosis, treatment, lifestyle education and follow up. The intervention significantly improved the average diastolic blood pressure of hypertensive patients (n = 50) three months into treatment (98 mmHg at baseline vs. 86 mmHg in Month 3, P = 0.001). However, health systems barriers typical of fragile settings, such as cost of transport and medication for patients and lack of supply of medications and treatment equipment in facilities, hindered the optimal delivery of care for hypertensive and diabetic patients.ConclusionOur study suggests the potential feasibility of this approach to strengthening primary care delivery of NCDs in fragile contexts. However, the approach needs to be built into routine supervision and pre-service training to be sustained. Key barriers in the health system and at community level also need to be addressed.

Assessment of knowledge on non-communicable diseases and their screening tests among elderly population in an urban area of Bengaluru

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality in most low and middle income countries (LMIC) around the world. Recent estimates shown that about 80% of NCDs deaths occur in LMIC and nearly three fourth of global NCDs related deaths take place after the age of 60. The knowledge of NCDs and their related screening tests among elderly is essential for early detection which reduces further development of the disease and its complications, thereby reducing the burden of health care cost. Hence, the present study was undertaken.Methods: A descriptive study was conducted among 245 study subject after obtaining informed consent. Using pre-tested structured questionnaire, information was collected regarding knowledge on NCDs and their screening tests. Results were entered in Microsoft excel and analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: 81.6% of study subjects were aware of common NCDs. Off which only 02% were aware of 6 NCDs (out of 12 NCDs considered in this study). Regarding individual diseases, about 61.6% subjects were aware of Hypertension and 52.7% about DM. About knowledge of screening test, 69% were aware about any screening test and 58.8% were aware of screening test for hypertension and 41.6% for diabetes mellitus.Conclusions: The overall knowledge regarding NCDs and their screening tests is poor among elderly population.

Exploring health literacy in relation to noncommunicable diseases in Samoa: a qualitative study

BackgroundSamoa is suffering from alarming rates of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). To address this epidemic, tackling health literacy is important. A qualitative study was conducted with the aim to explore health literacy in Samoa in relation to NCDs.MethodsSix focus groups were conducted, with a total sample size of 73 participants aged over 18 years. The semi-structured interview guide was based on the conceptual model of the European Health Literacy project (HLS-EU). Data was translated, transcribed, coded, and categorized as part of the qualitative analysis.ResultsThe analysis resulted in one overarching category and seven sub-categories based on 19 themes. It revealed that health literacy in Samoa is strongly influenced by the culture. Personal responsibility is lacking. The family circle is central to health in a community where support is provided through the church and local groupings. Basic knowledge of NCDs was present in the population, but a deeper understanding of chronic disease implications was lacking. Difficulties with regards to medication adherence for chronic diseases arose as a topic, and traditional healers are still strongly embedded in the local society. Finally, the health system’s performance, especially primary care services at the local level, is suffering from the high burden of NCDs and has been challenged to respond to the needs of the community it serves.ConclusionThe findings of this study show how health literacy in Samoa is influenced by culture and suggest employing participatory, culture-sensitive, public health interventions which address the family as a whole, building on health literacy to address major public health problems like NCDs and remove barriers in the health system.