Routine Health Checks and Implications among Staff of a Tertiary Health Facility in Nigeria

Background: Non-communicable disease is a globally recognized cause of significant morbidity and mortality with a rapidly increasing prevalence. Its rising burden among health workers, reduces their productivity and strains service delivery in the sector. Awareness and knowledge of important metabolic indices and regular monitoring is key to healthier living, early detection, prevention of complications and mortality from Non- communicable diseases.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of non-communicable disease among staff at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), to assess their knowledge and monitoring habit of important health Numbers.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among staff. Interviewer administered semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data on medical and family history, health screening habit, and awareness of complications of Non -communicable diseases. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Results: A total of 102 staff participated. Most 73(71.6%) were females, 46(45.1%) were doctors and 85(82.5%) had attained tertiary level of education. 27(26.5%) had a known medical history, 58(56.9%) had family history of various medical conditions and 34(33.3%) were on medication. 44(43.6%) of participants were overweight and 19(18.8%) had class 1 obesity. Only 31(30.7%) had normal blood pressure, 34(34.0%) were pre-diabetic and 8(8.0%) were diabetic. Abdominal obesity was found in 44.8% of participants.

Participants understood the implications of obesity, (41.2%) diabetes (36%) and hypertension (50%) Participants checked their numbers quite frequently, with weight and blood pressure having the highest frequencies within the previous one month while blood glucose was checked by more people within the previous 6 months. However, a significant knowledge gap about the implications of abdominal obesity was identified.

Conclusion: The findings revealed a high prevalence of Non -communicable diseases among hospital staff. Though health numbers were checked regularly, varying levels of awareness about complications of non-communicable diseases were found with a significant gap in knowledge about abdominal obesity.