Can a self-risk assessment tool improve knowledge of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases? Use of a novel tool among people living with HIV in Kenya

Abstract

Background and Aims: There is a high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), low knowledge of the risk factors, a weak surveillance system, and no known tool for patient self-risk assessment in resource-limited settings. The study assessed the contribution of a novel tool for the improvement of the knowledge level of NCD risk factors. Methodology: This intervention study in a primary health-care facility in Kenya involved 1595 people living with HIV (PLHIV) aged 18–69 years. The study developed a tool based on NCD risk factors and used it as educational material. Baseline data were collected using the World Health Organization step-wise approach to surveillance. Results: The median age in years (interquartile range) was 41 (25–50), and females were 65.9%. The ability to conduct self-risk assessment rose from 2.1% to 57.1% after education. Knowledge of risk factors had a mean score of 0.9 and 0.3 for hypertension and diabetes, respectively, before education. Scores increased to 4.4 and 4.3, respectively, after the intervention. There was a significant difference in the means with a P = 0.00 after education. Conclusion: PLHIV in Kenya lacks knowledge of self-risk assessment and risk factors. The tool can improve knowledge of NCD risk factors. The integration of this tool into the routine HIV standard package of care is crucial as part of surveillance in preventing and controlling NCDs.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• hypertension
• knowledge of risk factors
• noncommunicable diseases
• self-risk assessment tool