Knowledge of diabetes and hypertension among members of teaching staff of higher learning institutions in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

Diabetes and hypertension are among the most common non-communicable diseases (NCD) that contribute to a large number of adult morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine knowledge of diabetes and hypertension and the associated risk factors among members of teaching staff of Higher Learning Institutions in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A cross sectional community based study was conducted in 10 higher learning institutions including universities. A structured pretested questionnaire was utilized. A total of 139 teaching members of staff from higher learning institutions participated in the study. The majority (74.8%; n=104) of the participants were males. Mean age of the participants was 40.7 ± 12.6. Over half (56.8%; 79/139) of the respondents correctly identified failure of body to use insulin as one of the causes of diabetes. Of the respondents, 43.2% (60/139) were able to identified heredity as cause of hypertension. Increasing age was correctly identified as one of risk factors for diabetes by 38.1% (53/139) and for hypertension by 36.7% (51/139) respondents. In conclusion, the majority of teaching staff in the higher learning Institutions in Dar es Salaam were aware of the diabetes and hypertension. However the knowledge of the causes, signs and symptoms, risk factors and complications was not as high as expected. It is important that this group of professionals is appropriately informed as regards to diabetes, hypertension and other non-communicable diseases as they may serve as key advocacy group to the community and policy makers in Tanzania. ________________________________________________________________________________________

Prevalence,awareness and factors associated with hypertension in North West Tanzania

“…It is estimated that a 10 kg increase in body weight raises blood pressure by 3 mmHg systolic and 2.3mmHg diastolic blood pressure [16], and this association concurs with many other studies in Africa [2,26,27,29]. Increased blood sugar was also associated with raised blood pressure, which also concurs with other studies worldwide [14]. …”

“…The Magu Health and Demographic Sentinel Surveillance (HDSS) has been under continuous enumeration since 1994 in six villages about 20 km east of Mwanza city in North West Tanzania [13,14]. In 2012, the villages had a total population of 32 000, with 50% of the population aged 15 years or less, and an average household size of 7.2 individuals.…”

“…Despite the increase in hypertension cases in low-income countries, awareness of the problem is low, both among health care workers and in the population at large [14]. Awareness of hypertension is an important factor for early identification and management, but it is poor in many low-income countries [15,16].…”

An exploratory study on the quality of patient screening and counseling for hypertension management in Tanzania

“…In another study of 139 teaching staff from higher learning institutions in Tanzania, knowledge about the causes, signs and symptoms, risk factors and complications for hypertension was suboptimal. The major source of information for learning about hypertension was the internet and media, highlighting the need for focused training on hypertension management [12]. Another study on 24 public and not for profit health facilities in urban and rural Tanzania also showed that only 59% had fair knowledge of hypertension, and only 33% had seen more than five patients with hypertension in the past three months.…”

“…The health system is also faced with chronic health workforce deficits with a density of just 0.022 physicians per 1,000 [10] and 0.416 nurses per 1,000 [11]. Lack of awareness and treatment for hypertension have been reported for both healthcare providers and patients [6,12].…”