Distribution and patterning of non-communicable disease risk factors in indigenous Mbororo and non-autochthonous populations in Cameroon: cross sectional study

Abstract

BackgroundData on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among indigenous populations are needed for interventions to improve health care. We conducted a survey in 2013 among rural indigenous Mbororo, Fulbe and other ethnic groups to determine the distribution of risk factors of NCDs in Cameroon.MethodsWe selected seven targets of NCD risk factors: tobacco use, alcohol use, diet (salt/sugar intake, vegetable/fruit consumption), raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, physical inactivity and weight measures. The WHO STEPwise approach was used to collect data from 1921 consenting participants aged ≥20 years. Prevalence of NCD risk factors was summarised by descriptive statistics.ResultsUnderweight was widespread, Mbororo (50.8%) and Fulbe (37.2%). Increase in prevalence of six risk factors was observed among the Fulbe when compared to Mbororo. Participants aged 20–39 years had low levels of physical activity, poor diet and higher levels of alcohol consumption (except Mbororo) and those aged ≥40 years had higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, current smoking and overweight/obesity. Men and women differed in current smoking, occasional/daily alcohol consumption, pre-hypertension and hypertension, continuous walking for at least ten minutes, and weight measures for Fulbe and Mbororo, p < 0.05.ConclusionDistribution of NCD risk factors was high among settled Fulani (Fulbe) when compared to indigenous nomadic Fulani (Mbororo). Change from nomadic to settled life might be accompanied by higher prevalence of NCDs. This data should be used to develop intervention programmes to curb the rising burden of NCDs in rural indigenous and non-indigenous populations.

Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors and Its Regional Distribution in Ethiopia

“…Overall, the results of this study is consistent with survey studies in India (Mote, 2016), China (Li et al, 2015), and Cameroon (Kufe, Ngufor, Mbeh, & Mbanya, 2016) which showed regional disparities on the prevalence of NCDs risk factors. These could be associated with the demographics, lifestyle, cultural and social norms, geographic variations and religious influences of a specific region.…”

Epidemiology of hypertension in Fulani indigenous populations—age, gender and drivers

“…Rural settings and lifestyle have been cited as a protection factor to explain the low prevalence of cardiovascular risk and disease in African populations but the Fulani population, as well as the Maasai in Tanzania, showed a high prevalence of hypertension amongst rural dwellers which may not confer the protective possibility. We have reported an increase in the prevalence of NCD risk factors as a nomadic pastoral Fulani transition to settled life as well as differences in anthropometric and lifestyle factors by ethnicity [ 10 ]. The Kenyan Luo Migration Study also showed an increase in blood pressure following rural-urban migration [ 23 ].…”

“…A total of 1337 Fulani or Peul aged ≥ 20 years from 555 households were recorded with complete data and included in this analysis. The details of the population are in our previous paper [ 10 ].…”

“…Details of data collection with structured questionnaires are described elsewhere [ 10 ]. The questionnaire also assessed alcohol intake, tobacco consumption, salt and sugar intake, fruit and vegetable consumption and sleep.…”

“…The current data of hypertension exhibit gender variations which are age-dependent [ 9 ]. Extant health data on Fulani populations is paltry and little is known about the occurrence, distribution and drivers of hypertension amongst Fulani populations though we have indicated that transition from a nomadic pastoral life to a settled life may be accompanied by an increase in the prevalence of risk factors of NCDs [ 10 ]. Studies from different populations reported association of different anthropometric indicators with hypertension.…”