Improvement of Communicable and Non-Communicable Disease Awareness in South Tarawa, Kiribati: Survey Results on the Hygiene Awareness and Health Behaviors of Local Village Leaders

Abstract

Climate change and sea-level rise have caused drinking water pollution and an unsanitary environment, leading to a high prevalence mortality and rate of both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This study examines the hygiene awareness and health behaviors of local village leaders and attempts to improve the awareness of infectious and non-infectious diseases in South Tarawa, Kiribati. Hygiene awareness drives and health behavior questionnaires surveys were conducted, followed by semi-structured group interviews for South Tarawa village leaders. Hygiene awareness has been improved through campaigns and information acquisition, but the actual practice rates were low.The health behavior survey showed that smoking, rather than drinking, was more prevalent among men. Although basic nutritional knowledge existed, healthy diet practice was insufficient, and the most popular physical activity was swimming due to the coastal location. More specific programs are required to improve communicable and non-communicable disease awareness, resulting from poor hygiene and inappropriate dietary practices of Kiribati residents.