Integrating Areal Perspective in the Appraisal of Risk Factors of Noncommunicable Diseases in South Africa

Chukwuedozie K. Ajaero , University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Nicole De Wet, University of the Witwatersrand
Clifford O. Odimegwu, University of the Witwatersrand

This study carried out a rural-urban appraisal of the prevalence and risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in South Africa. Data was from the 2014 National Income Dynamics Study survey of individuals aged 15 years and above living in the nine provinces of South Africa. A composite index of NCD prevalence was created from incidences of diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, asthma, and cancer based on responses from the respondents. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, hotpot analysis, spatial auto-correlation, geographically weighted regression, and binary logistic regression. The prevalence and spatial clustering of NCDs significantly varied across provinces and districts with regards to rural/urban place of residence. The risk factors also varied significantly across rural and urban areas. Increased awareness/sensitization activities targeted more at the females, those aged 25+ years and people with higher education on the risk factors of NCDs, especially in areas with high clustering should be encouraged.

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 Presented in Session 96. Triple Burden of Diseases in the Global South