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 research aimed at understanding severity and causes of hypertension and obesity in Mvita Sub County, Mombasa County with the general objective being the impact knowledge/awareness has in one developing either or both conditions.
Methods: The study was conducted in 2019 at Mvita Sub County in all 5 wards namely; Majengo, Tononoka, Old town, Tudor and Shimanzi. Further, the study entailed interviewing 110 respondents, selected through probability stratified sampling, comprising of both young and elderly with inclusivity on both genders. The findings were later analyzed descriptively through mean and percentages.
Results: Increase in knowledge/awareness reduced the chances of one contracting either or both conditions while drug abuse, poor nutrition and poverty were the main cause of contracting hypertension/obesity in Mvita Sub County.
Unsubstantial roles played by stakeholders, lack of local farming/agricultural practices, poor parental involvement, poor public health practices, minimal involvement of schools in health programs, were also contributors.
Conclusion: Negligence in responding to highlighted findings would likely result to a spike in hypertension and obesity; therefore, there is need of an immediate public health intervention, which include: Increasing level of health awareness among residents of Mvita Sub County, through media outlets such as local radio stations; county government to counter drug abuse (khat and tobacco) and improving nutritional services such as reliance on local farming and closely monitoring patient’s nutritional needs.
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