TITLE:
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hypertension, Diabetes and Obesity among Lecturers and Support Staff of Bishop Stuart University in Mbarara, Uganda
AUTHORS:
Jordan Amanyire, Mathias Tumwebaze, Mauda Kamatenesi Mugisha, Labani Waswa Bright
KEYWORDS:
Prevalence, Risk Factors, Hypertension, Diabetes, Obese, Rural University
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Applied Sciences,
Vol.9 No.3,
March
29,
2019
ABSTRACT: Aim: To establish the prevalence and risk factors for hypertension, diabetes
and obesity among teaching and non-teaching staff of Bishop Stuart University, 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 interventions. Study Design: This was a descriptive cross-sectional, institutional based survey
design. Place and duration of
the study: This study was conducted among the teaching and
none teaching staff of Bishop Stuart University Mbarara, Uganda from 18th April-6th June 2017. Methodology: A
structured questionnaire was used to gather social demographic and risk factors
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
interviewed 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. Prevalence of obesity and overweight was observed
higher in senior administrative staff and lecturers than in lower cadre staff
49% and 34% (p 0.01). Conclusion: Hypertension, Diabetes and obesity are conditions prevalent among the teaching
and none teaching staff of BSU, but knowledge on risk factors, clinical
presentation and preventive strategies is limited. Routine physical exercises...