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The New Silent Epidemic in Kenya: CVDs in Kenya’s Informal Settlements

The New Silent Epidemic in Kenya: CVDs in Kenya’s Informal Settlements. Charles Okigbo, APHRC Rose Oronje, APHRC Samuel Oti, APHRC. African Population and Health Research Center Improving the wellbeing of Africans through policy relevant research on population and health. Background.

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The New Silent Epidemic in Kenya: CVDs in Kenya’s Informal Settlements

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  1. The New Silent Epidemic in Kenya: CVDs in Kenya’s Informal Settlements Charles Okigbo, APHRC Rose Oronje, APHRC Samuel Oti, APHRC African Population and Health Research Center Improving the wellbeing of Africans through policy relevant research on population and health

  2. Background Health situation in Kenya today Diseases prevalence HIV/AIDS – the sexy disease The new silent epidemic

  3. What they are: Generally refer to a group of disease entities affecting the heart and/or blood vessels. E.g. Hypertension, stroke and angina Causes: Multiple causes, some known others are idiopathic. CVDs in Perspective

  4. Causes (continued): However several risk factors have been implicated: Tobacco use Alcohol consumption Physical inactivity/ sedentary lifestyle Improper diet: High-calorie, high-sugar, high in saturated fats and low in fibre CVDs in Perspective

  5. Manifestations and symptoms: Wide range of clinical manifestations. Depends on specific disease entity: E.g. Hypertension is known as the “silent” killer” because it may be present in an individual for years without any specific symptoms. And then suddenly, the individual has a stroke, collapses and even dies CVDs in Perspective

  6. Manifestations and symptoms: Other conditions may have specific symptoms: E.g. angina may present as chest pain worsened by exertion such as climbing the stairs. CVDs in Perspective

  7. Greatest Risk Who is at greatest risk: CVDs were previously thought to be diseases of the affluent but recent research suggest otherwise. Anyone can be affected depending largely on their exposure to the risk factors previously mentioned.

  8. Greatest Risk Other risk factors: • Males generally more affected than females in a ratio of 2:1 • More common in mid-30s and older age groups • Blacks more affected than whites • Positive family history: if one of your parents had a CVD you may be at risk

  9. Greatest Risk Containment: Control the risk factors: • Eat healthier diet rich in fibre, low in fat and refined sugar. • Do some exercise; at least a 30-minute brisk walk 3 – 4 times weekly • Stop smoking tobacco • Moderate consumption of alcohol Need for research And action: prevention and treatment

  10. Greatest Risk Need for research: • Need for more policy-relevant research on CVDs and risk factors especially in poor communities And action: prevention and treatment • Government to pay more attention to CVDs and have a concrete strategy for their control and management.

  11. Greatest Risk And action: prevention and treatment (continued) • More emphasis on health education and promotion of healthy lifestyles • Make screening (and facilities) for CVD part of routine management for all adults visiting health centres • Make drugs affordable and accessible

  12. Our Research This is part of a bigger APHRC research project Other parts of the research – Health Theme at APHRC Policy Engagement for CVD research Behavior change communication – as intervention for CVD containment Our CVD research

  13. Three Objectives Ascertain the prevalence of CVDs in Kenya’s informal settlements Examine the levels of knowledge about CVDs by the people at risk Identify the risk factors to consider in planning intervention for CVDs

  14. Research Questions How prevalent are CVDs in Koch and Viwa? How much do Koch and Viwa residents know about CVDs? What risk factors should we choose for our behavior change campaigns (BCC)?

  15. Research Methods The Nairobi Urban Demographic Surveillance system (NUDSS) Cross-sectional survey of residents In-depth personal interviews of selected CVD patients for KAP – knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors

  16. Observations about Method • Respondents’ attitudes (research fatigue?) • Research materials/instruments (reliability and validity) • Multiple methods are recommended (Triangulation) • The unique nature of CVDs

  17. Results - General Respondents – the nature of life in Koch and Viwa General comments Knowledge Attitudes Behaviors

  18. Answers to the RQsRQ1: Prevalence of CVDsRQ2: How much people know about CVDsRQ3: Main risk factors for BCC?

  19. Conclusions • General results – • RQ1: Prevalence of CVDs • RQ2: People’s knowledge of CVDs • RQ3: Risk factors

  20. Recommendations • Medical • Health communication • Policy initiatives • Health NGO Network - collaboration

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