Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are increasing as the main cause of death, disability, unproductivity and indisposition in Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to establish healthcare professionals’ perception on non-communicable disease risk factors and their regional distribution in Ethiopia.

METHODS: A mixed method sequential explanatory design was conducted with a questionnaire survey obtaining quantitative replies from 312 healthcare professionals working in 13 referral hospitals in the first phase and qualitative data among 13 hospital managers in the second phase.

RESULTS: Statistically significant prevalence of NCDs risk factors were reported with the lack of physical exercise (M=4.94, SD=.245, t (311) = 139.383; p < .0005), hypertension (M=4.89, SD=.312, t (311) = 107.021; p < .0005), and unhealthy diet (M=4.61, SD=.782, t (311) = 36.426; p < .0005) ranking as the top three leading NCDs risk factors. The prevalence and distribution of NCDs risk factors varied within Ethiopia, with a high perceived prevalence of lack of physical exercise, unhealthy diet, alcohol use, and blood glucose in Addis Ababa city followed by Amhara region. A high prevalence of tobacco use and hypertension was also observed in the regions of Benishangul Gumuz.

CONCLUSION: The results revealed that the prevalence of NCDs risk factors are increasing in different regions of Ethiopia. Regionally specific non-communicable disease intervention strategies are required to revert the growing burden of the risk factors effectively.

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