Socio-demographic correlates of unhealthy lifestyle in Ethiopia: a secondary analysis of a national survey

Abstract

This study aimed to assess socio-demographic correlates of unhealthy lifestyles among adolescents and adults in Ethiopia. A population-based national cross-sectional survey using the WHO NCD STEPS instruments was conducted. Data were collected in 2015, from a total of 9,800 participants aged between 15 and 69 years. Unhealthy lifestyle scores (0 [most healthy] to 5 [most unhealthy]) were determined based on diet (daily fruit and vegetable consumption), smoking status, overweight/obesity, alcohol intake, and physical activity. A co-occurrence of 3 or more unhealthy lifestyles was considered as an unhealthy lifestyle. The study found that 98.2% of participants had low consumptions of fruit and vegetables, 5.4% smoked tobacco, 15.0% consumed excessive alcohol, 66.0% had inadequate physical activity and 2.3% were obese. One in eight (13%) participants were having three or more unhealthy lifestyles. We found that male sex, urban residence, older age, being married or living in common-law, and higher income were associated with unhealthy lifestyles. Participants with higher educational status had lower odds of unhealthy lifestyles. Socio-demographic characteristics such as sex, age, marital status, residence, income, and educational status were correlated with individuals’ lifestyles. Tailored interventions that target specific socio-demographic groups are required to address the increasing burden of unhealthy lifestyles in Ethiopia.

Unplanned readmission to hospital and its predictors in heart failure patients, Ethiopia: a retrospective cohort study

“…However, in Ethiopia, heart failure patent came after NYHA Class III and IV with limited knowledge about their disease, poor medication adherence practice, and transitional care (13)(14)(15). Furthermore, risky lifestyles such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive salt intake, and alcohol consumption are most common in Ethiopia, which are predictors of unplanned hospitalizations for HF patients (16,17). Moreover, that can be distressing and uncomfortable for the patient, his family members, and even healthcare professionals (18).…”

“…Furthermore, risky lifestyles such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, excessive salt intake, and alcohol consumption are most common in Ethiopia, which are predictors of unplanned hospitalizations for HF patients(16, 17). Moreover, that can be distressing and uncomfortable for the patient, his family members, and even healthcare professionals(18).…”