Assessment of Awareness and Attitudes towards Non- Communicable Diseases among Kabwata Residents in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

The steady rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) worldwide is a key challenge on the global health agenda. The World Health Organization (2018b) estimated that 41 million of the 57 million deaths in 2016 were due to NCDs, the majority of which (78%) occurred in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The prevalence of major NCDs including cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing, and they remain a challenge for both high-income countries (HICs) and LMICs. In Zambia, Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant public health concern, as they are in many other countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), NCDs are estimated to account for approximately 31% of all deaths in Zambia. The four main types of NCDs in Zambia are cardiovascular diseases, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes. Most studies that have been conducted in Zambia on NCDs have largely focused on quantifying the disease burden and the associated risk factors with little or no focus on the community awareness. A cross sectional study was conducted, and a total of 110 participants were randomly selected. Data was collected using structured questionnaire and analyzed using Microsoft excel and STATA version 14.0. The variables that were considered during the analysis included awareness, attitudes and risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases. The results showed that most of the participants had heard about NCDs (53%) and were aware of the risk factors associated with these diseases (85%). However, only 42% of the respondents had received information on prevention and management of NCDs. The study also revealed that most of the participants had a positive attitude towards NCD prevention and management, with 86% indicating a willingness to change their lifestyle to prevent NCDs. Limited number of respondents were aware about NCDs related complications, risk factors and its treatment. In addition, attitudes of respondents about NCDs were favorable and thus suggesting some level of understanding about NCDs. Overall, the study highlights the need for increased education and awareness campaigns on NCDs in Kabwata. This will help to improve the knowledge and attitudes towards NCDs and ultimately reduce the burden of the disease in the community.