Assessment of Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors Among Staff of the University for Development Studies, Tamale Campus, Using the WHO STEPwise Approach

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasingly important public health concerns in sub-Saharan Africa, with behavioural, physical, and metabolic risk factors contributing to their growing burden. University staff may be exposed to several of these risk factors because of sedentary work patterns, occupational demands, and lifestyle behaviours. This study assessed selected behavioural, physical, and biochemical risk factors for NCDs among staff of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Tamale Campus, Ghana. Methods An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 374 teaching and non-teaching staff at UDS, Tamale Campus. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered through Kobocollect. Behavioural factors included tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and dietary salt practices. Physical measurements included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and blood pressure, while random blood glucose was assessed as a biochemical indicator. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data, while chi-square tests assessed associations between behavioural factors and NCD-related outcomes. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The majority of participants were aged 31–41 years (37.4%), with a mean age of 38.56 ± 10.63 years. Males constituted 55.9% while 70.3% were non-teaching staff. Current tobacco smoking was reported by 1.1% of participants, while 13.9% reported consuming alcohol within the past 12 months. Regarding dietary salt practices, 44.1% reported never adding salt to food before eating. Overweight and obesity were observed in 34.0% and 24.1% of participants, respectively, resulting in 58.1% having excess body weight. High-risk waist circumference was observed in 60.0% of female staff and 19.1% of male staff. Raised blood pressure was observed in 6.7% of participants. Regarding blood glucose status, 19% were classified as being at risk of diabetes and 3% were diabetic. Tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption were significantly associated with blood pressure status (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, both tobacco smoking (p = 0.018) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.031) were significantly associated with blood glucose status. Conclusion Metabolic risk factors, particularly overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, and abnormal blood glucose, were prominent among university staff. Workplace-based interventions incorporating regular NCD screening, healthy dietary practices, physical activity, and weight-management strategies are recommended.