Available data sources for monitoring non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in South Africa

Introduction: Community Health Workers play an important role in supporting patients with chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs), therefore they need to be constantly updated with current knowledge to enable them to perform their activities effectively. The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of NCDs risk factors among Community Health Workers (CHWs) in South Africa. Methodology: A triple “A” approach (assessment, analysis, and action) was used among 40 CHWs working with patients with chronic non-communicable diseases. All CHWs gave voluntary, informed consent in writing and verbally before they were allowed to participate in the study. For the initial assessment, CHWs completed a questionnaire to assess knowledge about the knowledge of NCDs. The questionnaire was analysed to determine their baseline performance. The findings of the assessment identified shortcomings in the knowledge of CHWs, specifically on diabetes and hypertension knowledge. Feedback was given to the CHWs followed by a short training on healthy living, focusing on the risk factors associated with NCDs (diabetes and hypertension). Training of CHWs was conducted using an adapted national training programme together with CHW prevention of healthy lifestyle modules designed by experts from the School of Public Health, University of the Western Cape. All statistical tests were two-tailed, and p<.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The majority (97.5%) of the CHWs who had their knowledge assessed were women. Fifty-five percent (55%) were within age 30-45 years, while 45% were between the ages 46-60 years. The majority of the participants had secondary school education (92.5%) and 1-15 years of experience (97.5%) as CHWs. The results of the post-training assessment revealed that 48.5%, 63.6%, 42.4%, 72.7%, 42.5%, 57.6%, and 18.2% had poor knowledge of diabetes, hypertension, diabetes complications, hypertension complications, advice for diabetic patient, advice for hypertension, and nutrition advice of NCDs, respectively. Regression analysis showed that those with higher education levels were significantly highly likely to be knowledgeable about hypertension complications (OR=19.6, CI=1.14, 336.0). Conclusion: There was poor knowledge of risk factors for NCDs among CHWs. An association exists between the knowledge of risk factors for NCDs and education levels among the participants. There is a need for regular refresher training programs for CHWs to upscale their knowledge about NCDs, coupled with frequent review of CHWs program and curriculum.

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Behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases amongst adults aged 18 years and above in Collins Chabane Municipality of Vhembe District in Limpopo Province, South Africa

10.21203/rs.3.rs-16634/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

selekane motadi ◽

Charmaine Sambo ◽

Nthovhedzeni Nesengani ◽

Thembuluwo Ndalani ◽

Rilwele Mutakuseni

Keyword(s):

Risk Factors ◽

South Africa ◽

Alcohol Consumption ◽

Physical Inactivity ◽

Communicable Diseases ◽

Overweight And Obesity ◽

Limpopo Province ◽

Non Communicable Diseases ◽

Behavioural Risk Factors ◽

Vhembe District

Abstract Background: Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet and obesity are the behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases. To determine behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases amongst adults aged 18 years and above in Collins Chabane municipality of Limpopo province, South Africa. Methods: This study included 365 participants recruited from Collins Chabane municipality of Vhembe district, Limpopo province, South Africa. Municipality was selected using simple random sampling and convenience sampling was used to choose participants. Anthropometric measurements were measured following standard techniques. Data on dietary intake was collected using Food Frequency Questionnaire. Permission and clearance were obtained and participant’s rights were respected. Results: About (24.4%) of participants consumed alcohol in the current study. Males were more likely to consume alcohol as compared to female counterpart (54.6% vs. 3.3 %) Gender has a large effect on alcohol consumption. Cramer’s V = 0.58. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was higher in male (22.8%) as compared to (1.6%) female counterparts. The prevalence of underweight, overweight and obesity was 7.7%, 29.8%, and 11.3%, respectively. Majority 61.1% of the participants had sedentary lifestyle in the current study. About 13.9% of the participants smoked cigarette in the current study. Of all participants who smoked cigarette 10.1% initiated smoking at the age of less than 19 years Conclusion: Behavioural risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, consumption of over required amount of sugar, sodium, protein, energy, carbohydrates, excessive fats intake, physical inactivity, overweight, obesity exist among people in Collins Chabane municipality.

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