Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) kill more than 36
million people each year. Nearly 80% of NCD death (29 million) occurs in
low and middle income countries (WHO, 2010). In Malawi, NCDs account
for at least 12% of total Disability Adjusted Life Years (WHO 2010) .
OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to explore adoption of healthy lifestyle
for secondary prevention of stroke, diabetes and hypertension among clients
receiving treatment at Mzuzu Central Hospital. METHODS: A cross sectional
analytical study design was used. Sixty three participants aged 18 years and
above were selected using a purposive sampling technique, who had all, or
two or one of the following NCDs; stroke, diabetes or hypertension, and
receiving treatment at Mzuzu Central Hospital participated in the study. An
interviewer administered questionnaires was used to collect data. FINDINGS:
The majority were females (74.6%; 47/63), and the median age of the
participants was 60 years (Q1=51; Q3=65). Although most participants
failed to define stroke, diabetes and hypertension (88.9%), failed to mention
the recommended healthy lifestyle (65.1%) as regards its prevention and also
failed to mention complications of NCDs (85.7%), the majority (85.7%)
indicated to have received health education on NCDs. Furthermore, the
findings revealed that 71.4% did not perceive to be at risk of developing
complications from their diagnosed condition despite the given health
education. Participant consumed fewer servings of fruits and vegetables per day, and did not practice healthy lifestyle in general. CONCLUSION: Health
education need to comprehensively cover interventions for prevention of
NCDs. Besides that, reinforcement of acquired knowledge on NCDs among
client should be emphasized so as to increase the chances to adopt and
practice healthy lifestyle.
