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SA JOURNAL OF DIABETES & VASCULAR DISEASE
RESEARCH ARTICLE
VOLUME 16 NUMBER 1 • JULY 2019
11
A survey of non-communicable diseases and their
risk factors among university employees: a single
institutional study
Emmanuel I Agaba, Maxwell O Akanbi, Patricia A Agaba, Amaka N Ocheke, Zumnan M
Gimba, Steve Daniyam, Edith N Okeke
Correspondence to: Emmanuel I Agaba
Department of Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria
e-mail:
eiagaba@gmail.comMaxwell O Akanbi, Edith N Okeke
Department of Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria
Patricia A Agaba
Department of Family Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria
Amaka N Ocheke
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Jos, Nigeria
Zumnan M Gimba
Department of Medicine, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Steve Daniyam
University Health Centre, University of Jos, Nigeria
Previously published in
Cardiovasc J Afr
2017;
28
: 377–384
S Afr J Diabetes Vasc Dis
2019;
16
: 11–17
Abstract
Background:
The incidence of non-communicable diseases
(NCDs) is rising globally, with its attendant morbidity and
mortality, especially in developing countries. This study
evaluated the prevalence of NCDs and their risk factors
among members of a university community.
Methods:
All employees of the university were invited to the
University health clinic for screening, using the World Health
Organisation’s STEPwise approach to NCDs.
Results:
A total of 883 (521; 59.0% males) employees with a
mean age of 44 ± 10 years were studied. The median
(IQR) number of NCD risk factors was three (two to three)
per participant. The most common NCD risk factors were
inadequate intake of fruit and vegetables (94.6%; 95% CI:
92.8–95.9), physical inactivity (77.8%; 95% CI: 74.9–80.5%)
and dyslipidaemia (51.8%; 95% CI: 48.4–51.6%). Others
included obesity (26.7%; 95% CI: 23.9–29.8%), alcohol use
(24.0%; 95% CI: 21.3–27.0%) and cigarette smoking (2.9%;
95% CI: 2.0–4.3). Hypertension was the most common NCD
(48.5%; 95% CI: 45.1–51.8%), followed by chronic kidney
disease (13.6%; 95% CI: 11.4–16.1) and diabetes mellitus
(8.0%; 95% CI: 6.4–10.1). There was no gender-specific
difference in the prevalence of NCDs.
Conclusion:
This study identified that NCDs and their
modifiable risk factors are highly prevalent in this community.
Workplace policy to support the adoption of healthy living
is needed.
Keywords:
diabetes mellitus, hypertension, non-communicable
disease, obesity, physical inactivity
The incidenceof non-communicablediseases (NCDs) is risingglobally,
with its attendant morbidity and mortality. NCDs (particularly
cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cancers) were responsible for
38 million (68%) of the world’s 56 million deaths in 2012.
1
Studies
have shown that early detection and timely intervention can prevent
further morbidity and ultimately prolong life. Additionally, some
risk factors for these diseases, when identified, can be modified,
thus preventing their onset and progression. Developing countries
are currently witnessing an epidemic transition from communicable
diseases to non-communicable diseases.
1
Many individuals in these
countries are caught in this ‘epidemic transition of illnesses’ as a
result of lifestyle changes.
In Nigeria, the common NCDs include cardiovascular disease,
hypertension, diabetes and cancers.
2
Many studies have documented
the rising prevalence of NCDs among the general population in
Nigeria. Hypertension is said to affect 25 to 48% of the adult
population, while nearly 10% are diabetic,
1,6
and the incidence of
cancer is on the increase.
3,4
Recently, attention has focused on special populations, such
as healthcare providers, civil servants and bankers, as they are
thought to be among the relatively affluent in the community.
5-7
University employees over time have also become affluent (personal
communication) and therefore are also likely to be at risk of NCDs
due to changes in lifestyle and increasing urbanisation. However,
very few studies have addressed NCDs among university employees
in Nigeria.
8,9
The magnitude of NCDs and their risk factors in this
subset of the population therefore largely remains unknown.
We embarked on this cross-sectional study to describe the
prevalence of selected NCDs and their risk factors among the staff
members of a university in north-central Nigeria. We also used
this project to sensitise the participants on NCDs, as workplace
interventions have been found to lead to health promotion.
10
Methods
A cross-sectional study of adults, aged 18 years and over employed
in the University of Jos, was conducted over a fourmonth period
(February to June 2014). The study was resident at the university
health centre.
At the end of July 2010, the University workforce comprised
a total of 2 603 people (1 793 senior and 810 junior staff). The
minimum sample size (380) was calculated from the Kish formula,
11
using the prevalence of hypertension (as this is the NCD with the
highest prevalence) and a precision of 5%.