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. 2016 Nov 24;16(1):1188.
doi: 10.1186/s12889-016-3837-8.

Distribution and patterning of non-communicable disease risk factors in indigenous Mbororo and non-autochthonous populations in Cameroon: cross sectional study

Nyuyki Clement Kufe  1   2 , George Ngufor  3 , George Mbeh  3 , Jean Claude Mbanya  3
Affiliations

Distribution and patterning of non-communicable disease risk factors in indigenous Mbororo and non-autochthonous populations in Cameroon: cross sectional study

Nyuyki Clement Kufe et al. BMC Public Health. .

Abstract

Background: Data on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among indigenous populations are needed for interventions to improve health care. We conducted a survey in 2013 among rural indigenous Mbororo, Fulbe and other ethnic groups to determine the distribution of risk factors of NCDs in Cameroon.

Methods: We selected seven targets of NCD risk factors: tobacco use, alcohol use, diet (salt/sugar intake, vegetable/fruit consumption), raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose, physical inactivity and weight measures. The WHO STEPwise approach was used to collect data from 1921 consenting participants aged ≥20 years. Prevalence of NCD risk factors was summarised by descriptive statistics.

Results: Underweight was widespread, Mbororo (50.8%) and Fulbe (37.2%). Increase in prevalence of six risk factors was observed among the Fulbe when compared to Mbororo. Participants aged 20-39 years had low levels of physical activity, poor diet and higher levels of alcohol consumption (except Mbororo) and those aged ≥40 years had higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, current smoking and overweight/obesity. Men and women differed in current smoking, occasional/daily alcohol consumption, pre-hypertension and hypertension, continuous walking for at least ten minutes, and weight measures for Fulbe and Mbororo, p < 0.05.

Conclusion: Distribution of NCD risk factors was high among settled Fulani (Fulbe) when compared to indigenous nomadic Fulani (Mbororo). Change from nomadic to settled life might be accompanied by higher prevalence of NCDs. This data should be used to develop intervention programmes to curb the rising burden of NCDs in rural indigenous and non-indigenous populations.

Keywords: Fulani; Indigenous populations; Low and middle income countries; Non-communicable diseases; Risk factors.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Percentage Cumulative Distribution and Patterning of NCD Risk Factors by Gender, 2013
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Percentage Distribution and Patterning of NCD Risk Factors by Age Group, 2013
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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