| dc.description.abstract | Aim: To establish the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension, diabetes
and obesity among teaching and non-teaching staff of Bishop Stuart Univer sity, Mbarara-Uganda. Background: None communicable diseases (NCDs)
are projected to exceed communicable diseases as the most common causes of
death by 2030 in Africa. Most sub-Saharan African countries however lack
detailed countrywide data on hypertension and other NCDs risk factors.
Cognizant of Uganda’s recent inclusion of Hypertension and diabetes in the
health policy agenda, this study was conducted among the university staff in a
rural setting to provide benchmark information for design of appropriate in terventions. Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional, institution al based survey design. Place and duration of the study: This study was
conducted among the teaching and none teaching staff of Bishop Stuart Uni versity Mbarara, Uganda from 18th April-6th June 2017. Methodology: A
structured questionnaire was used to gather social demographic and risk fac tors data from the university workers at their work stations. Blood pressure of
each participant was measured and Hypertension was defined as systolic BP >
140 and/or diastolic (BP) > 90 mmHg. Anthropometric measurements:
Body Mass index (BMI) was done by weight in (Kg) and Height in (M2
) to
establish weight levels. Obesity was considered at BMI > 40. A random Blood
Sugar (RBS) > 200 mg/dl was considered as diabetic. Epi-info version 7 was
used to enter data, analyzed using SPSS version 19. Results: A total of 156
University staff aged 25 - 75 years of both sexes, mean age 42 ± 8 were inter viewed of whom 51% were males. About 15% were administrative staff, 55%
teaching staff, 3% senior lecturers and professors and 25% non-teaching staff.The prevalences of Hypertension, Diabetes, and obesity were 7.7%, 16%, and
28% respectively. But also majority (60.2%) were found at risk of developing
both hypertension and diabetes. Less than 20% of the participants were
knowledgeable on causes, signs and symptoms and preventive measures for
Hypertension but had moderate knowledgeable of the risk factors, the most
frequently mentioned risk by 71% was lack of exercise. Despite the awareness
of risk factors, majority (61.3%) had not done any form of exercise and 64.1%
had not had regular Blood pressure check ups. The study also demonstrated a
statistically significant relationship between those aged more than 40 years
and having hypertension (X2 = 5.82, P = 0.015, OR = 4.2). Likewise the risk of
Diabetes increased with increasing age. Lecturers aged 40 years and above
were 5.6 times likely to have diabetes compared to those aged less than 40
years (OR = 5.6, X2 = 16 , P = 0.0005). A significant number of respondents
57/156 (36.5%) reported history of HPT among their family members. Preva lence of obesity and overweight was observed higher in senior administrative
staff and lecturers than in lower cadre staff 49% and 34% (p < 0.01). Conclu sion: Hypertension, Diabetes and obesity are conditions prevalent among the
teaching and none teaching staff of BSU, but knowledge on risk factors, clin ical presentation and preventive strategies is limited. Routine physical exer cises, periodic body checkups and controlled diet are public Health interven tions recommended for control among the university staff. | en_US |
