3.2. Knowledge of Communities about Non communicable diseases
The present findings showed that the majority of the community members, accounting for 315 (75.00%), correctly defined and understood non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Among the mentioned NCDs, high blood pressure was the most frequently occurring, with 112 cases (27.00%), followed by diabetes with 94 cases (23.00%), chronic respiratory diseases with 65 cases (16.00%), and ulcers with 60 cases (14.00%). Most community members revealed that NCDs are preventable (350, 84.00%) and 65 (16.00%) believed they are curable if appropriate treatment is received in a timely manner.
Furthermore, the communities were generally aware of the various risk factors contributing to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which encompass a range of issues from environmental pollution to individual lifestyle practices. They recognized that preventing NCDs involves several key strategies. A significant portion of the community, 249 individuals (60.00%), identified maintaining a healthy diet as crucial for prevention. Additionally, 154 individuals (37.00%) understood the importance of reducing exposure to environmental pollutants as a preventive measure. Moreover, 133 individuals (32.00%) emphasized the necessity of avoiding smoking and refraining from smoking habits to mitigate the risk of developing NCDs. This awareness underscores the community's recognition of both environmental and lifestyle factors in the prevention of NCDs (Table 2).
Table 1
Socio-demographic characteristics of respondents and associated factors
Demographic Characteristic | Categories/Options | Frequency | Percentage (%) |
1) Age | A. <18 | 35 | 8.43 |
B. 18–30 | 130 | 31.33 |
C. 31–45 | 185 | 44.58 |
D. 46–60 | 30 | 7.23 |
E. Above 60 | 35 | 8.43 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
2) Gender | A. Male | 178 | 42.89 |
B. Female | 237 | 57.11 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
3) Education Level | A. No formal education | 89 | 21.45 |
B. Primary school | 75 | 18.07 |
C. Secondary school | 36 | 8.67 |
D. College/ University | 215 | 51.81 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
4) Occupation | A. Employed | 137 | 33.01 |
B. Healthcare | 33 | 7.95 |
C. Education, | 45 | 10.84 |
D. Agriculture | 74 | 17.83 |
E. Student | 46 | 11.08 |
F. Merchant | 80 | 19.28 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
5) Monthly Income | A. Below average | 280 | 67.47 |
B. Average | 130 | 31.33 |
C. Above average | 5 | 1.20 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
6) Ethnicity | A. Oromo | 325 | 78.31 |
B. Gurage | 21 | 5.06 |
C. Amhara | 50 | 12.05 |
D. Tigire | 19 | 4.58 |
| Total | 415 | 100.00 |
7) Residential Area | A. Urban | 250 | 60.24 |
B. Rural | 165 | 39.76 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
8) Family Structure | A. Single | 20 | 4.82 |
B. Married | 380 | 91.57 |
C. Living alone | 15 | 3.61 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
9) Health Insurance Coverage | A. Yes | 380 | 91.57 |
B. No | 35 | 8.43 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
10) NCD Diagnosis | A. Yes | 198 | 47.71 |
B. No | 217 | 52.29 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
11) Smoking Status | A. Non-smoker | 98 | 23.61 |
B. Former smoker | 150 | 36.14 |
C. Current smoker | 167 | 40.24 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
12) Alcohol Consumption | A. Non-drinker | 45 | 10.84 |
B. Occasional drinker | 120 | 28.92 |
C. Regular drinker | 250 | 60.24 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
13) Physical Activity Level | A. Sedentary | 350 | 84.34 |
B. Moderately active | 45 | 10.84 |
C. Very active | 20 | 4.82 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
14) Diet Quality | A. Poor | 145 | 34.94 |
B. Average | 200 | 48.19 |
C. Healthy | 70 | 16.87 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
15) Knowledge of NCDs | A. Low | 215 | 51.81 |
B. Moderate | 122 | 29.40 |
C. High | 78 | 18.80 |
Total | 415 | 100.00 |
Community’s awareness toward prevention and control of NCDs
The majority of community members, 357 individuals (86.02%), agreed that non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were prevalent among people in their community in Nekemte town, East Wollega Zone. In addition, many community members emphasized the importance of several preventive measures: 378 individuals (91.02%) highlighted the significance of maintaining a healthy diet, 239 individuals (58.00%) stressed the importance of regular physical activity, 268 individuals (65.00%) underscored the need to avoid smoking, and 240 individuals (58.00%) pointed out the benefits of limiting alcohol consumption.
Table 2
Community knowledge and attitude toward prevention and control of NCDs, 2024
Characteristics | Category | Frequency | Percentage |
1) Do you know NCD | A. Yes | 315 | 75.90 |
| B. No | 100 | 24.10 |
2) NCD | A. High blood pressure | 112 | 26.99 |
| B. Diabetes | 94 | 22.65 |
| C. Cardio vascular diseases | 65 | 15.66 |
| D. Ulcer | 54 | 13.01 |
| E. Cancer | 60 | 14.46 |
3) Is NCD preventable | A. Yes | 350 | 84.34 |
| B. No | 65 | 15.66 |
4) NCDs are preventable | A. Yes | 365 | 87.95 |
| B. No | 50 | 12.05 |
5) Ways of preventing NCDs | A. No- smoking | 133 | 32.05 |
| B. Regular physical activities | 116 | 27.95 |
| C. Health diets | 249 | 60.00 |
| D. Limiting alcohol consumption | 70 | 16.87 |
| E. Reducing environmental exposure | 154 | 37.11 |
| F. others | 29 | 6.99 |
6) NCDs are curable | A. Yes | 390 | 93.98 |
| B. No | 26 | 6.27 |
Furthermore, in terms of their knowledge and potential practices, nearly all community members, 400 individuals (96.40%), recognized that they had an active role to play in the prevention and control of NCDs within their environment and homes. This high level of awareness and sense of responsibility indicates a strong community commitment to mitigating the risk of NCDs through lifestyle changes and environmental management ( Table 3).
Table 3
Community’s awareness toward prevention and control of NCDs and its associated factors in Nekmete town, East Wollega Zone
Perceptions towards NCDs | Category | Frequency | Percentages |
1) Presence of NCDs among community | A. Agree | 357 | 86.02 |
| B. Disagree | 50 | 12.04 |
| C. No | 8 | 1.92 |
2) Importance of NCDs risk factors | | | |
2.1. Avoiding smoking / using tobacco | A. Very important | 268 | 64.57 |
| B. Important | 70 | 16.86 |
| C. Fairly important | 61 | 14.69 |
| D. Not Important | 16 | 3.85 |
2.2. Limiting alcohol use | A. Very important | 240 | 57.83 |
| B. Important | 68 | 16.38 |
| C. Fairly important | 87 | 20.96 |
| D. Not Important | 20 | 4.81 |
2.3. Physical activity | A. Very important | 239 | 57.59 |
| B. Important | 69 | 16.62 |
| C. Fairly important | 87 | 20.96 |
| D. Not Important | 20 | 4.81 |
2.4. Healthy diet | A. Very important | 378 | 91.08 |
| B. Important | 25 | 6.02 |
| C. Fairly important | 9 | 2.16 |
| D. Not Important | 3 | 0.72 |
In the study area of Nekemte town, East Wollega Zone, there is a significant lack of intervention and awareness practices concerning the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Among the total health workers, a notable proportion of community health workers (CHWs), 27.00% (13 individuals), who were involved in NCD prevention and control reported facing several challenges. These challenges included inadequate knowledge about NCDs, insufficient training, and negative perceptions within the community towards these diseases ( Table 4).
Table 4
Community Health Workers involvement in prevention and Control of NCDs, (n = 30).
Items | Category | Frequency | Percentages |
1) CHW involvements | A. Yes | 13 | 43.33 |
| B. No | 17 | 56.66 |
2) Activities | A. Community mobilization | 4 | 13.33 |
| B. Screening and early detection | 8 | 26.66 |
| C. Referral | 11 | 36.66 |
| D. Supporting adherence to treatment | 7 | 23.33 |
3) CHW engagement for Prevention and Control | A. Cancer | 4 | 13.33 |
B. Diabetes | 6 | 20.00 |
C. HBP | 13 | 43.33 |
D. CVD | 7 | 23.33 |
| E. Others | 30 | 100.00 |
4) Challenges involved in the prevention or control of NCDs | A. Lack of knowledge | 4 | 13.33 |
B. Lack of training | 8 | 26.67 |
C. Negative Perception | 15 | 50 |
D. Lack of support | 2 | 6.67 |
| E. Others | 30 | 100 |
The difficulties experienced by the CHWs were echoed by some community members. Participants in focus group discussions (FGDs) acknowledged that while CHWs were somewhat involved in the prevention and control of NCDs, their efforts were hindered by limited health education on NCDs. This was largely because CHWs were primarily focused on other health issues such as water, sanitation, and hygiene. To address these gaps, it is essential to enhance the training and education of CHWs regarding NCDs, increase community awareness about the importance of NCD prevention and control, and shift some focus towards these pressing health concerns. Comprehensive strategies that integrate NCD education into the broader health agenda, along with targeted interventions and robust community engagement, are crucial for improving the overall health outcomes in Nekemte town.
Discussion
The demographic profile of the study population, comprising predominantly married, well-educated, and economically active individuals, provides valuable insights for designing effective health interventions. With a balanced gender distribution and high education levels, there is a significant opportunity to implement targeted strategies to address health issues within the community. Cultural considerations, particularly regarding the dominant Oromo ethnic group, should guide the development of interventions to ensure cultural relevance and acceptance. Overall, leveraging the demographic characteristics of the population can facilitate the delivery of tailored and impactful health initiatives aimed at improving overall well-being and reducing health disparities within the community.
The present findings revealed that 75.00% of community members correctly defined and understood non-communicable diseases (NCDs). High blood pressure was identified as the most frequently occurring NCD (27.00%), followed by diabetes (23.00%), chronic respiratory diseases (16.00%), and ulcers (14.00%). The majority of respondents believed NCDs are preventable (84.00%), while 16.00% thought they are curable with timely treatment. Similar results were reported by multiple authors, indicating that blood pressure and diabetes were the most prevalent non-communicable diseases among the communities (Kamara et al., 2024; Memirie et al., 2022; Muluneh et al., 2012).
Moreover, the community demonstrated awareness of various NCD risk factors, including environmental pollution and lifestyle practices. Key prevention strategies identified included maintaining a healthy diet (60.00%), reducing exposure to environmental pollutants (37.00%), and avoiding smoking (32.00%). This underscores the community's recognition of both environmental and lifestyle factors in NCD prevention(Muluneh et al., 2012).
The majority of community members in Nekemte town, East Wollega Zone (86.02%), recognized the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among people in their community. Additionally, a significant number of individuals emphasized various preventive measures: maintaining a healthy diet (91.02%), regular physical activity (58.00%), avoidance of smoking (65.00%), and limiting alcohol consumption (58.00%) which is similar with previous reports (Jeet et al., 2017; Joshi et al., 2019).
The challenges faced by Community Health Workers (CHWs) in addressing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) were recognized by community members themselves, as revealed in focus group discussions (FGDs). While CHWs were involved to some extent in NCD prevention and control, their effectiveness was hampered by limited education on NCDs. This was often due to CHWs primarily focusing on other health issues such as water, sanitation, and hygiene.
To bridge these gaps, there is a crucial need to enhance the training and education of CHWs regarding NCDs. Additionally, increasing community awareness about the importance of NCD prevention and control is vital. Shifting some focus towards these pressing health concerns within CHW programs is also necessary. Comprehensive strategies that integrate NCD education into the broader health agenda, coupled with targeted interventions and robust community engagement, are essential for improving overall health outcomes in Nekemte town.
The demographic profile of the study population in Nekemte town, characterized by predominantly married, well-educated, and economically active individuals, presents a promising opportunity for designing effective health interventions. With a balanced gender distribution and high levels of education, there is potential to implement targeted strategies aimed at addressing health issues within the community. Cultural considerations, particularly regarding the dominant Oromo ethnic group, should guide the development of interventions to ensure cultural relevance and acceptance. Leveraging these demographic characteristics can facilitate the delivery of tailored and impactful health initiatives aimed at improving overall well-being and reducing health disparities within the community.
The study revealed that a substantial proportion of community members correctly understood non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and recognized their preventable nature. High blood pressure and diabetes emerged as the most prevalent NCDs, consistent with findings from other studies. Furthermore, the community demonstrated awareness of various NCD risk factors, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, reducing exposure to environmental pollutants, and avoiding smoking.
However, challenges faced by Community Health Workers (CHWs) in addressing NCDs were identified, including limited education on NCDs and a primary focus on other health issues. To address these challenges, it is essential to enhance the training and education of CHWs regarding NCDs and increase community awareness about the importance of NCD prevention and control. Shifting some focus towards NCDs within CHW programs and implementing comprehensive strategies that integrate NCD education into broader health agendas are vital steps toward improving overall health outcomes in Nekemte town.