A Health inequalities in non-communicable disease mortality among Adult's in Uganda

Health inequalities

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic

respiratory diseases, and diabetes, are leading causes of death worldwide, particularly

affecting low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

This study systematically reviews the extent of health inequalities in NCDs mortality among

adults across various demographic groups in Uganda.

Methodology

Assessment of key risk factors for NCDs using population data drawn from 3987 participants

in a nationally representative baseline survey in Uganda was made. Five key risk factors

considered for the indicator variable included: high frequency of tobacco use, low physical

activity levels, high body mass index and raised blood pressure.

A statistical modeling framework was developed and a multi nominal logistic regression model

was fitted. The endogenous and exogenous predictors of NCDs were assessed

Results

A total of 1,210 deaths among persons ≥ 30 years old were reported from 2010 to 2016 (50.7%

among women). Approximately 53% of all deaths were due to non-communicable diseases,

31.8% due to communicable diseases, 8.2% due to injuries, and 7% due to maternal-related

deaths or undetermined causes. Cardiovascular diseases accounted for the largest proportion of

NCD deaths in each year, and women had substantially higher cardiovascular disease mortality

rates compared to men.

Also, the review highlights significant disparities in NCD prevalence across different

demographic groups in Uganda. Notably, the elderly population in rural areas shows a high

prevalence of NCDs. Individuals living with HIV (PL-HIV) exhibit compounded health

burdens, with hypertension being a common comorbidity. Urban-rural disparities in NCD

prevalence is evident, with lifestyle factors associated with urbanization contributing to

increased risks. Alarmingly, mortality rates attributable to NCDs, particularly cardiovascular

diseases and diabetes, have risen over the past decade. Barriers to healthcare access, including

geographic, financial, and policy-related challenges, exacerbate these disparities.