ABSTRACT
The current burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors such as tobacco use and physical inactivity remain largely unknown in Sierra Leone. Thus; this study was conducted to document the prevalence of tobacco use and physical activity among the adult Sierra Leonean population with a specific objective of determining the sex and age prevalence. A cross sectional population based survey utilising the multi-stage cluster sampling strategy was used. A total of 5;483 individuals aged 25-64 years of both sexes were recruited into the survey. The World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPwise approach to surveillance instrument was adapted and questionnaire was administered to one individual in selected household. The data was analysed and graphed using Epi-Info software version 3.4.3 and graph pad prism version 5.1 respectively. The analyses showed that 34 of the respondents use tobacco products with 26 engaged in smoking tobacco products and 8 were smokeless tobacco users at the time of this study. The average age of commencing tobacco smoking was 21 years; with 92 and 96 of the male and female daily smokers smoking at least six manufactured tobacco respectively. Seventy four percent (74) and 69 of the non-smoking respondents were exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) at home and workplace respectively. The study further revealed that 15; 23 and 87 of the total respondents reported no work-; transport- or recreational- related physical activity respectively; and were therefore classified as physically inactive. The lowest level of physical activity was reported in the recreation domain. Even those who reported moderate physical activity at work or from travel; their median metabolic equivalent (MET) was not sufficient to achieve a level of physical activity that is beneficial to their health. In conclusion; a significant proportion of the population is exposed either directly or indirectly to tobacco smoke; and a large proportion of the adult population is physically inactivity. Thus; NCD prevention policy addressing lifestyle changes such as no smoking should not be limited to work places but should be population based
Subject(s)
Adult , Prevalence , Risk Factors , Smoking , SportsABSTRACT
Impact of an immunization programme can be measured by demonstrating a reduction in the incidence of the target diseases. Hence; this study examined data from the routine reporting system for the years 1977-1989 to show changes in incidence of the six target diseases. The results showed that all but tuberculosis have had a downward trend since the establishment of the programme indicating the effectiveness of the immunization programme. Incidence for tuberculosis has shown a steady increase up to 1988 followed by reduction in 1989. The authors recommended that necessary measures be undertaken by the concerned MOH body to strengthen the surveillance system to appropriately evaluate the immunization programme