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Amani DE, Ndumwa HP, Ngowi JE, Njiro BJ, Munishi C, Mboya EA, Mloka D, Kikula AI, Balandya E, Ruggajo P, Kessy AT, Kitambala E, Kapologwe N, Kengia JT, Kiologwe J, Ubuguyu O, Salum B, Kamuhabwa A, Ramaiya K, Sunguya BF. National Non-Communicable Diseases Conferences- A Platform to Inform Policies and Practices in Tanzania. Ann Glob Health 2024; 90:18. [PMID: 38463453 PMCID: PMC10921961 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) arise from diverse risk factors with differences in the contexts and variabilities in regions and countries. Addressing such a complex challenge requires local evidence. Tanzania has been convening stakeholders every year to disseminate and discuss scientific evidence, policies, and implementation gaps, to inform policy makers in NCDs responses. This paper documents these dissemination efforts and how they have influenced NCDs response and landscape in Tanzania and the region. Methods Desk review was conducted through available MOH and conference organizers' documents. It had both quantitative and qualitative data. The review included reports of the four NCDs conferences, conference organization, and conduct processes. In addition, themes of the conferences, submitted abstracts, and presentations were reviewed. Narrative synthesis was conducted to address the objectives. Recommendations emanated from the conference and policy uptake were reviewed and discussed to determine the impact of the dissemination. Findings Since 2019, four theme-specific conferences were organized. This report includes evidence from four conferences. The conferences convened researchers and scientists from research and training institutions, implementers, government agencies, and legislators in Tanzania and other countries within and outside Africa. Four hundred and thirty-five abstracts were presented covering 14 sub-themes on health system improvements, financing, governance, prevention intervention, and the role of innovation and technology. The conferences have had a positive effect on governments' response to NCDs, including health care financing, NCDs research agenda, and universal health coverage. Conclusion The National NCDs conferences have provided suitable platforms where stakeholders can share, discuss, and recommend vital strategies for addressing the burden of NCDs through informing policies and practices. Ensuring the engagement of the right stakeholders, as well as the uptake and utilization of the recommendations from these platforms, remains crucial for addressing the observed epidemiological transition in Tanzania and other countries with similar contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davis E. Amani
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Harrieth P. Ndumwa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jackline E. Ngowi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Belinda J. Njiro
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Castory Munishi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Erick A. Mboya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Doreen Mloka
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Amani I. Kikula
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel Balandya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Paschal Ruggajo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Ministry of Health, P O Box 743 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Anna T. Kessy
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emilia Kitambala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ntuli Kapologwe
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - James T. Kengia
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Bakari Salum
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Appolinary Kamuhabwa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kaushik Ramaiya
- Tanzania Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance, P O Box 65201 Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Tanzania Diabetes Association, P O Box 65201 Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital, P O Box 581 Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bruno F. Sunguya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
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Njiro BJ, Ngowi JE, Ndumwa HP, Amani D, Munishi C, Mloka D, Balandya E, Rugajo P, Kessy AT, Ubuguyu O, Salum B, Kamuhabwa A, Ramaiya K, Sunguya BF, Mboya EA, Kikula AI, Kitambala E, Kiologwe J, Kengia JT, Kapologwe N. Non-communicable Diseases Week: Best Practices in Addressing the NCDs Burden from Tanzania. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:89. [PMID: 38107601 PMCID: PMC10723012 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Five million people die every year from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally. In Tanzania, more than two-thirds of deaths are NCD-related. The country is investing in preventive and advocacy activities as well as interventions to reduce the burden. Of particular interest, the Ministry of Health (MoH) commemorates NCDs' week using a multisectoral and multi-stakeholders' approach. This paper highlights activities conducted during NCDs week with the aim of sharing lessons for other countries with similar context and burdens. Methods A thorough review of official reports and the national strategic plans for NCDs was done including the 2020 and 2021 National NCDs' week reports, the National Strategic Plan for NCDs 2015-2020, and the National NCDs agenda. Findings NCDs week is commemorated annually throughout the country involving the five key activities. First, community awareness and participation are encouraged through media engagement and community-based preventive and advocacy activities. Second, physical activities and sports festivals are implemented with a focus on developing and renovating infrastructures for sports and recreation. Third, health education is provided in schools to promote healthy behaviors for secondary school adolescents in transition to adulthood. Fourth, health service provision and exhibitions are conducted involving screening for hypertension, diabetes, obesity, alcohol use, and physical activities. The targeted screening of NCDs identified 10% of individuals with at least one NCD in 2020. In 2021, a third of all screened individuals were newly diagnosed with hypertension, and 3% were found to have raised blood glucose levels. Fifth, the national NCDs scientific conferences conducted within the NCDs week provide an avenue for stakeholders to discuss scientific evidence related to NCDs and recommend strategies to mitigate NCDs burden. Conclusion The initiation of NCDs week has been a cornerstone in advocating for NCDs control and prevention in the country. It has created awareness on NCDs, encourage healthy lifestyles and regular screening for NCDs. The multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral approaches have made the implementation of the mentioned activities feasible and impactful. This has set an example for the united efforts toward NCD control and prevention at national, regional, and global platforms while considering contextual factors during adoption and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda J. Njiro
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jackline E. Ngowi
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Harrieth P. Ndumwa
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Davis Amani
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Castory Munishi
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Doreen Mloka
- School of Pharmacy, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel Balandya
- School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Paschal Rugajo
- School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Anna T. Kessy
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | - Bakari Salum
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, Tanzania
| | - Appolinary Kamuhabwa
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kaushik Ramaiya
- Tanzania Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance, Tanzania
- Tanzania Diabetes Association, Tanzania
| | - Bruno F. Sunguya
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | | | | | | | | | - James T. Kengia
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, Tanzania
| | - Ntuli Kapologwe
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, Tanzania
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Ndumwa HP, Amani DE, Ngowi JE, Njiro BJ, Munishi C, Mboya EA, Mloka D, Kikula AI, Balandya E, Ruggajo P, Kessy AT, Kitambala E, Kapologwe N, Kengia JT, Kiologwe J, Ubuguyu O, Salum B, Kamuhabwa A, Ramaiya K, Sunguya BF. Mitigating the Rising Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases through Locally Generated Evidence-Lessons from Tanzania. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:77. [PMID: 38025921 PMCID: PMC10655751 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is rapidly increasing globally, and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear the brunt of it. Tanzania is no exception. Addressing the rising burden of NCDs in this context calls for renewed efforts and commitment by various stakeholders. This paper highlights local initiatives and strategies to combat NCDs in Tanzania and provides lessons for countries with similar contexts. Methods We reviewed published and grey literature and conducted policy analysis on NCDs in Tanzania to examine the burden of NCDs and the national response addressing it. The documents included National NCD strategic plans, NCD research agenda, and reports from the World Diabetes Foundation and the World Health Organization. Moreover, a scoping review of ongoing NCD activities and programs in other countries was also conducted to supplement the evidence gathered. Results The rising burden of NCDs as a result of the epidemiological transition in Tanzania called for the launching of a dedicated National NCD Control and Prevention Program. The Ministry of Health collaborates with local, national, and international partners on NCD prevention and curative strategies. This led to the development of important guidelines and policies on NCDs, including strengthening the capacity of health facilities and healthcare workers, increased community engagement and awareness of NCDs, and increased advocacy for more resources in NCD initiatives. Strong governmental commitment has been vital; this is demonstrated by a renewed commitment to the fight through national NCD week and related advocacy activities conducted annually. To ensure multi-stakeholders' engagement and political commitment, all these activities are coordinated at the Prime Minister's office and provide strong lessons for countries with contexts similar to Tanzania. Conclusion Multi-stakeholders' engagement, innovative approaches, and coordinated governmental efforts to address NCDs have shone a light on addressing the burden of NCDs and may be sustainable if aligned with locally available resources. Such initiatives are recommended for adoption by other nations to address the burdens of NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harrieth P. Ndumwa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Davis E. Amani
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Jackline E. Ngowi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Belinda J. Njiro
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Castory Munishi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Erick A. Mboya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Doreen Mloka
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Amani I. Kikula
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel Balandya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Paschal Ruggajo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Ministry of Health, P O Box 743, Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Anna T. Kessy
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emilia Kitambala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ntuli Kapologwe
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box, 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - James T. Kengia
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box, 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Bakari Salum
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box, 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Appolinary Kamuhabwa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kaushik Ramaiya
- Tanzania Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance, P O Box 65201, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Tanzania Diabetes Association, P O Box 65201, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital, P O Box 581, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bruno F. Sunguya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
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Ngowi JE, Munishi C, Ndumwa HP, Njiro BJ, Amani DE, Mboya EA, Mloka D, Kikula AI, Balandya E, Ruggajo P, Kessy AT, Kitambala E, Kapologwe N, Kengia JT, Kiologwe J, Ubuguyu O, Salum B, Kamuhabwa A, Ramaiya K, Sunguya BF. Efforts to Address the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases Need Local Evidence and Shared Lessons from High-Burden Countries. Ann Glob Health 2023; 89:78. [PMID: 38025922 PMCID: PMC10655753 DOI: 10.5334/aogh.4118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jackline E. Ngowi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Castory Munishi
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Harrieth P. Ndumwa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Belinda J. Njiro
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Davis E. Amani
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Erick A. Mboya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Doreen Mloka
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Amani I. Kikula
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emmanuel Balandya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Paschal Ruggajo
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Ministry of Health, P O Box 743 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Anna T. Kessy
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Emilia Kitambala
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Ntuli Kapologwe
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - James T. Kengia
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | | | | | - Bakari Salum
- President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government, P O Box 1923 Dodoma, Tanzania
| | - Appolinary Kamuhabwa
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Kaushik Ramaiya
- Tanzania Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance, P O Box 65201 Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Tanzania Diabetes Association, P O Box 65201 Dar es salaam, Tanzania
- Shree Hindu Mandal Hospital, P O Box 581 Dar es salaam, Tanzania
| | - Bruno F. Sunguya
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, 9 United Nations Road, Upanga West P O Box 65001, Dar es salaam, Tanzania
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Sunguya BF, Mlunde LB, Urassa DP, Poudel KC, Ubuguyu OS, Mkopi NP, Leyna GH, Kessy AT, Nanishi K, Shibanuma A, Yasuoka J, Jimba M. Improving feeding and growth of HIV-positive children through nutrition training of frontline health workers in Tanga, Tanzania. BMC Pediatr 2017; 17:94. [PMID: 28376725 PMCID: PMC5379502 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-017-0840-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nutrition training can boost competence of health workers to improve children’s feeding practices. In this way, child undernutrition can be ameliorated in general populations. However, evidence is lacking on efficacy of such interventions among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive children. We aimed to examine the efficacy of a nutrition training intervention to improve midlevel providers’ (MLPs) nutrition knowledge and feeding practices and the nutrition statuses of HIV-positive children in Tanga, Tanzania. Methods This cluster-randomized controlled trial was conducted in 16 out of 32 care and treatment centers (CTCs) in Tanga. Eight CTCs were assigned to the intervention arm and a total of 16 MLPs received nutrition training and provided nutrition counseling and care to caregivers of HIV-positive children. A total of 776 pairs of HIV-positive children and their caregivers were recruited, of whom 397 were in the intervention arm. Data were analyzed using instrumental variable random effects regression with panel data to examine the efficacy of the intervention on nutrition status through feeding practices. Results Mean nutrition knowledge scores were higher post-training compared to pre-training among MLPs (37.1 vs. 23.5, p < 0.001). A mean increment weight gain of 300 g was also observed at follow-up compared to baseline among children of the intervention arm. Feeding frequency and dietary diversity improved following the intervention and a 6 months follow-up (p < 0.001). An increase in each unit of feeding frequency and dietary diversity were associated with a 0.15-unit and a 0.16-unit respectively decrease in the child underweight (p < 0.001). Conclusions Nutrition training improved nutrition knowledge among MLPs caring for HIV-positive children attending CTCs in Tanga, Tanzania. Caregivers’ feeding practices also improved, which in turn led to a modest weight gain among HIV-positive children. To sustain weight gain, efforts should be made to also improve households’ food security and caregivers’ education in addition to inservice nutrition trainings. The protocol was registered on 15/02/2013, before the recruitment at ISRCTN trial registry with the trial registration number: ISRCTN65346364.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F Sunguya
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O Box 65489, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Linda B Mlunde
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - David P Urassa
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O Box 65489, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Krishna C Poudel
- Department of Public Health, School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Arnold House, 715 North Pleasant St, Amherst, MA, 01003-9304, USA
| | - Omary S Ubuguyu
- Muhimbili National Hospital, P.O. Box 65000, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Namala P Mkopi
- Muhimbili National Hospital, P.O. Box 65000, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Germana H Leyna
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O Box 65489, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Anna T Kessy
- School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O Box 65489, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Keiko Nanishi
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Akira Shibanuma
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Junko Yasuoka
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masamine Jimba
- Department of Community and Global Health, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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Ritte SA, Kessy AT. Social factors and lifestyle attributes associated with nutritional status of people living with HIV/AIDS attending care and treatment clinics in Ilala District, Dar Es Salaam. East Afr J Public Health 2012; 9:33-38. [PMID: 23120947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tanzania is one of the countries that suffer huge burden of malnutrition and food poverty with over two million people living with HIV/AIDS. Despite ongoing nutritional interventions in care and treatment clinics for people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), a high proportion of them still face nutritional problems, with about 29% being underweight. This study therefore aimed assessing social factors and lifestyle attributes associated with nutritional status among adults living with HIV/AIDS and attending care and treatment clinics (CTCs) in an urban district in Tanzania. METHODS An interview schedule was administered to 412 randomly selected adult male and female clients attending different CTCs in Ilala district. Their anthropometric measurements i.e. body weights and heights were also taken. RESULTS Findings revealed that 18.4% of males and females were underweight according to their body mass indices. The risk of being underweight was higher among respondents who were young; who had never married; had no formal education as well as those who reported to be living with their families or friends, although these associations were not statistically significant. On the other hand, factors which had statistically significant association with nutritional status included the type of persons the client was living with and the habit of drinking alcohol. CONCLUSION From the findings we conclude that PLWHA attending Care and Treatment Clinics in Ilala district, Dar es Salaam have problems with their nutrition with underweight being common among them. This suggests that the existing care and treatment clinics that provide nutritional support to PLWHA do not appear to address these issues in their totality. There is therefore, need to ensure that more efforts are geared towards providing nutritional counseling, support and encouragement of these clients within social contexts of their lives so in order for the current efforts to give best results.
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