Lifestyle Diseases: Knowledge and Related Practice among Residents of Uyo Metropolis

Aim: The study was aimed at determining the knowledge of some lifestyle diseases such as stroke, hypertension, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and obesity by residents of Uyo Metropolis, and their practices to prevent such diseases and documenting the knowledge of lifestyle diseases, activity profile, health seeking behavior and dietary practice of respondents.

Study Design: It was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Uyo metropolis; in markets, motor parks, secondary schools, the mechanic village and the Federal Civil Service Secretariat; between June and July, 2016.

Methodology: Three hundred and twenty-eight respondents participated in the study. Data was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20.0.

Results: Most of the respondents were male (52.7%), never married (49.1%) and attained tertiary education (53.7%). Most of the respondents have good knowledge of symptoms of lifestyle diseases (62.8%) but not of their causes and prevention; however there was a significant difference when highest level of education and location was considered (P<.05). Most of the respondents (67.1%) spend nil to two hours on leisure/sedentary activities during the day and this consisted mainly of male respondents (35.7%). Most of the respondents with tertiary qualifications and located at federal secretariat visit the hospital when sick unlike respondents located at the market, motor parks and mechanic village who buy drugs from the chemist; a significant difference was recorded (P<.05). Most of the respondents take sugar added drinks (43.9%) and pastries (49.9%) nil-3 times in a week and many reported taking alcohol (67.9%).

Conclusion: Demographic characteristics such as level of education and location affect knowledge of lifestyle diseases, physical activity and health seeking behavior of respondents in Uyo. Intervention studies should be conducted to educate the masses on the necessity to maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes eating well, engaging in exercise and visiting the hospital/ wellness clinic regularly.