Community awareness of diet needs associated with hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Hatcliffe, Zimbabwe

Abstract Background Diet is an important modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like hypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A NCD is a disease that cannot be transmitted from person to person. Dietary risk factors account for 5.8% of all-cause mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). There has been an increase in the consumption of ‘westernized ‘diets in SSA. The westernized diets consumed in low-income countries are usually high in salt content, fatty, processed and fast foods; and hence accelerate the development of HTN and T2DM. Previous studies carried out in Zimbabwe showed low levels of knowledge and awareness of HTN and T2DM; and the dietary needs for patients with those conditions. The aim of this study was to explore the dietary habits and awareness of HTN and T2DM of both males and females in a high-density area (HDA) of Zimbabwe. Methods We conducted household-based cross-sectional study in a high density area of Hatcliffe, which has a population of close to 50,000 residents. Face to face interviews were conducted using hand-held mobile devices loaded with KoBo Toolbox. We selected two consenting adults, a male and female, from every fourth household in selected areas of Hatcliffe. Results In this study all the 492 participants that were interviewed responded. Eighty eight point 6% (88.6%) of the participants in the study did not know if they were hypertensive or not. In addition, 91.7% of the participants had never voluntarily checked for hypertension. Similarly, 97.6% of the participants did not know if they had T2DM or not. Ninety eight percent (98%) of the participants had not voluntarily checked their blood glucose level. Conclusions The majority of the participants in the study were not aware if they had HTN or T2DM. The participants in the study perceived that the salt they consume is the right quantity. There is a high consumption of vegetable oil in most meals prepared.

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A cross-sectional study to assess the magnitude of Hypertension and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Hatcliffe, Harare

10.1101/535450 ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Lonestar Lazarus Gonde ◽

Moses John Chimbari ◽

Tawanda Manyangadze

Keyword(s):

Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Blood Pressure ◽

Type 2 Diabetes ◽

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

High Density ◽

Sectional Study ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

High Density Area

AbstractBackgroundHypertension (HTN) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are reported to be on the increase in developing countries. In this study we investigated the epidemiology of the prevalence of HTN and T2DM and its correlates in a high density area. We carried out this study to assess the magnitude of the prevalence of HTN and T2DM so that we can query the drivers that are causing an increase conditions in these conditions.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study in Hatcliffe, a high density area (HDA) in Harare. We interviewed, bled, took anthropometric and measured blood pressure of 381 participants. We investigated HbA1c, blood pressure, BMI and prevalence of prehypertension, prediabetes, co-existence of HTN and T2DM. A geospatial analysis was carried out to ascertain distribution patterns of HTN and T2DM in Hatcliffe.ResultsThe prevalence for prehypertension and prediabetes is higher than it is for full blown conditions of the HTN and T2DM. The prevalence of prehypertension was 35.4% and prediabetes was 29%. The prevalence of HTN in this study was 14.4% whilst that of T2DM was 3.93%. Out of the 55 participants that had developed HTN five had developed T2DM. There was no significant difference in the HTN and T2DM clusters.ConclusionsThe prevalence for prehypertension and prediabetes is higher than it is for full blown conditions of the HTN and T2DM. This indicates the importance of having a strategy for reducing the number of prediabetes and prehypertensive cases so that cases of full blown T2DM and HTN remain low.

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