The Pan African Medical Journal (Dec 2020)

Social economic and demographic determinants of non-communicable diseases in Kenya: a secondary analysis of the Kenya stepwise survey

  • Kibachio Joseph Mwangi,
  • Valerian Mwenda,
  • Gladwell Gathecha,
  • David Beran,
  • Idris Guessous,
  • Oren Ombiro,
  • Zachary Ndegwa,
  • Peninnah Masibo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.11604/pamj.2020.37.351.21167
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 37, no. 351

Abstract

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INTRODUCTION: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are projected to become the leading cause of death in Africa by 2030. Gender and socio-economic differences influence the prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors.. METHODS: we performed a secondary analysis of the STEPS 2015 data to determine prevalence and correlation between diabetes, hypertension, harmful alcohol use, smoking, obesity and injuries across age, gender, residence and socio-economic strata.. RESULTS: tobacco use prevalence was 13.5% (males 19.9%, females 0.9%, p=0.001); harmful alcohol use was 12.6% (males 18.1%, females 2.2%, p=0.001); central obesity was 27.9% (females 49.5%, males 32.9%, p=0.017); type 2 diabetes prevalence 3.1% (males 2.0%, females 2.8%, p=0.048); elevated blood pressure prevalence was 23.8% (males 25.1%, females 22.6%, p=0.001), non-use of helmets 72.8% (males 89.5%, females 56.0%, p=0.031) and seat belts non-use 67.9% (males 79.8%, females 56.0%, p=0.027). Respondents with 12 years of formal education had higher prevalence of non-use of helmets (81.7% versus 54.1%, p=0.03) and seat belts (73.0% versus 53.9%, p=0.039). Respondents in the highest wealth quintile had higher prevalence of type II diabetes compared with those in the lowest (5.2% versus 1.6%,p=0.008). Rural dwellers had 35% less odds of tobacco use (aOR 0.65, 95% CI 0.49, 0.86) compared with urban dwellers, those with 12 years of formal education had 89% less odds of tobacco use (aOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.07, 0.17) compared with 12 years, and those belonging to the wealthiest quintile had 64% higher odds of unhealthy diets (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.26, 2.14). Only 44% of respondents with type II diabetes and 16% with hypertension were aware of their diagnosis. CONCLUSION: prevalence of NCD risk factors is high in Kenya and varies across socio-demographic attributes. Socio-demographic considerations should form part of multi-sectoral, integrated approach to reduce the NCD burden in Kenya.

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