Prevalence and associated factors of non-communicable diseases among men in Kenya: an analysis of the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey
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Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) increasingly being disproportionately affected. Although anecdotal evidence or reports indicate an increasing number of Kenyan men having NCDs, the prevalence and associated factors are not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of non-communicable diseases among men in Kenya.
Methods
Secondary data comprising 14,453 men aged 15-54 years from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) were analysed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses in SPSS, version 29.
Results
Overall, the percentage of men with at least one NCD was 9.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 8.7-10.2%). Whereas the proportion of participants with multiple NCDs was 1.9 (95CI:1.6-2.3). Across NCDs, the highest prevalent NCD was hypertension (3.5% 95%CI:3.1-3.9) followed by depression (2.2% (95%CI:1.9-2.5), anxiety (1.6% (95%CI:1.3-1.9), arthritis (1.4% (95%CI:1.1-1.6), heart disease (1.2% (95%CI:0.9-1.5), diabetes (1% (95%CI:0.8-1.3), lung disease (1% (95%CI:0.7-1.3), and cancer (0.1% (95%CI:0-0.1). In terms of multiple chronic conditions (multimorbidity), the majority of the participants had diabetes and hypertension (0.5% (95%CI:0.3-0.7) followed by hypertension and depression (0.3% (95%CI:0.2-0.4), hypertension and anxiety (0.3% (95%CI:0.2-0.4), and arthritis and depression (0.2% (95%CI:0.1-0.2). Several factors, such as age, region, residence, ethnicity, education level, health status, wealth index, religion, media access, living a sedentary lifestyle, and physical activity, were found to be significantly associated with the prevalence of NCDs.
Conclusion
The overall prevalence of NCDs among men is relatively lower than that of Kenyan women. We found that sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were significantly associated with the prevalence of NCDs. To reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among men, tailored health education, medical checkups, and physical activity promotion are essential. Region-specific policies and culturally sensitive interventions should address risk factors and ethnic disparities. Wealthier, more educated men should be encouraged to adopt healthier lifestyles, while rural areas need improved access to specialized healthcare services. The media should balance health messaging, and religious communities/leaders can play a supportive role in promoting health and reducing stigma.
