Knowledge of Diabetes and Hypertension among Members of Teaching Staff of Higher Learning Institutions in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
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Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Abstract
Diabetes and hypertension are among the most common non-communicable diseases (NCD) that
contribute to a large number of adult morbidity and mortality. The objective of this study was to determine
knowledge of diabetes and hypertension and the associated risk factors among members of teaching staff
of Higher Learning Institutions in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A cross sectional community based study was
conducted in 10 higher learning institutions including universities. A structured pretested questionnaire
was utilized. A total of 139 teaching members of staff from higher learning institutions participated in the
study. The majority (74.8%; n=104) of the participants were males. Mean age of the participants was 40.7 ±
12.6. Over half (56.8%; 79/139) of the respondents correctly identified failure of body to use insulin as one of
the causes of diabetes. Of the respondents, 43.2% (60/139) were able to identified heredity as cause of
hypertension. Increasing age was correctly identified as one of risk factors for diabetes by 38.1% (53/139)
and for hypertension by 36.7% (51/139) respondents. In conclusion, the majority of teaching staff in the
higher learning Institutions in Dar es Salaam were aware of the diabetes and hypertension. However the
knowledge of the causes, signs and symptoms, risk factors and complications was not as high as expected.
It is important that this group of professionals is appropriately informed as regards to diabetes,
hypertension and other non-communicable diseases as they may serve as key advocacy group to the
community and policy makers in Tanzania.
Description
Keywords
Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension, Knowledge, Academic staff, Tanzania
Citation
Mbuya, F.E., Fredrick, F. and Kundi, B., 2014. Knowledge of diabetes and hypertension among members of teaching staff of higher learning institutions in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Tanzania journal of health research, 16(2).