Document Type : Original Article
Author
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health and Applied Human Sciences, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
Abstract
Background: The study sought to better understand the severity and causes of hypertension and obesity in Mvita Sub County, Mombasa County, with the overarching goal of determining the impact knowledge/awareness had on developing either or both illnesses.
Methods: The research was carried out in all five wards of Mvita Sub County in 2019: Majengo, Tononoka, Old Town, Tudor, and Shimanzi. Furthermore, the study included 110 respondents who were chosen using probability stratified selection and included both young and elderly people of both genders. The findings were then descriptively examined using mean and percentages.
Results: Increased knowledge/awareness reduced the likelihood of contracting either or both conditions, whereas drug abuse, poor nutrition, and poverty were the leading causes of hypertension/obesity in Mvita Sub County. Stakeholders' insignificant roles, a lack of local farming/agricultural practices, poor parental involvement, poor public health practices, and a lack of school involvement in health programs were all factors.
Conclusion: Inaction in the face of the highlighted findings could lead to a spike in obesity and hypertension. As a result, immediate public health intervention is required. This intervention should involve raising health awareness among Mvita Sub County residents through media channels like local radio stations, assisting the county government in combating drug abuse (especially tobacco and khat), and enhancing nutritional services like relying on local farming and closely monitoring patients' nutritional needs.
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