Abstract
Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent a significant public health issue globally, affecting both low-, middle- and high-income countries (LMICs). NCDs account for approximately 74% of global mortality and 80% of deaths among adults aged 30 to 69 in LMICs, which represents 33.3% of all global fatalities (WHO, 2023). In South Africa, NCDs rank among the top 10 causes of mortality annually. Understanding their prevalence and related risk factors is crucial for implementing effective preventative and control methods.
Study Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of NCDs (specifically Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus) and identify individual, behavioural and environmental risk factors associated with these conditions.
Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted among 203 nurses aged 30 to over 60 years at Mamelodi Regional Hospital. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using SPSS. The study examined two binary outcome variables: Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus, which were assessed through self-reported diagnosis and were not clinically measured. Chi-square tests were performed separately for each outcome to assess whether the prevalence of each condition differs across categories. Two multivariable logistic regression models were estimated for Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus to identify independent predictors of each outcome.
Results: A total of 203 nurses participated in the study. The prevalence of NCDs among nurses at Mamelodi Regional Hospital was high, with Hypertension at 39.9% and Diabetes mellitus at 23.6%. The prevalence of Diabetes mellitus increased with age (p=0.048), from 18.3% in nurses under 40 to 45.5% in those aged 60 and above. Significant associations were also identified between Diabetes mellitus and workplace stress (p=0.006) and occupational hazard exposure (p < 0.001). Hypertension was similarly associated with age (p=0.0012), rising to 61.8% in those aged 60 and above, and with daily sitting time (p < 0.001), although this showed a non-linear trend. Multivariable analysis revealed lack of PPE and training as a strong independent predictor of Hypertension (AOR=3.077; p=0.010). Unexpectedly, moderate vegetable intake (2–3 times/week) was also associated with higher odds of Hypertension (AOR=3.822; p=0.031), possibly due to reverse causality. These findings emphasise the significance of occupational and behavioural factors in NCD risk among nurses and highlight the need for targeted workplace interventions.
Conclusion: Non-communicable diseases continue to threaten South Africa’s public health system, notably nurses. Due to the higher prevalence of Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus...