The connection between non-communicable disease risk factors and risk perception among urban slum dwellers in Nairobi, Kenya

  • Tilahun Nigatu Haregu African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
  • Frederick Murunga Wekesah Utrecht Medical Center, Huispost nr
  • Samuel Oti International Development Research Center, Nairobi
  • Thaddaeus Egondi Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi) Africa,
  • Catherine Kyobutungi African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11564/30-3-924
Keywords: Non-communicable disease, risk factors, risk perception

Abstract

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are emerging as a public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa.  This paper examines the relationship between the risk of NCDs and perceptions about such risk among urban slum population in Nairobi, Kenya. The analysis is based on data collected between 2008 and 2009 as part of a cross-sectional survey that was designed to assess linkages between socioeconomic status, perceived personal risk, and risk factors for cardiovascular and non-communicable diseases in urban slums of Nairobi. A total 5,190 study participants were included in the analysis. Low risk perception about NCDs in spite of the presence of NCD risk factors suggests the need for programmes aimed at creating awareness about the diseases and promoting the adoption of preventive healthy lifestyles among the urban poor populations of Nairobi

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Author Biographies

Tilahun Nigatu Haregu, African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi
15
Frederick Murunga Wekesah, Utrecht Medical Center, Huispost nr
Julius Global Health, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care
Published
2016-10-18
Issue
Vol. 30 No. 3 (2016)
Section
Articles

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