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The pattern and burden of non-communicable diseases in armed conflict-exposed populations in Northeastern Nigeria
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The pattern and burden of non-communicable diseases in armed conflict-exposed populations in Northeastern Nigeria

Roland I Stephen, Jennifer A Tyndall, Jamiu S Olumoh, Malachy I Okeke, Jacob A Dunga, Tonde G Elijah, Dillys M Bello, Oyelola A. Adegboye and Jimmy A Reyes
PeerJ (San Francisco, CA), Vol.13, e18520
01/17/2025
DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18520
PMCID: PMC11745130
PMID: 39834789
url
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18520View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

The risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in conflict and post-conflict settings in Northeastern Nigeria has not been evaluated to date. As this region undergoes recovery, understanding the prevalence of NCDs, such as hypertension, diabetes, depression, and obesity, and the associated behavioral coping mechanisms, is crucial for developing tailored healthcare solutions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of conflict on the prevalence of NCDs in conflict-exposed areas in Northeastern Nigeria compared with non-conflict regions. This study was an unmatched cross-sectional study. The participants were selected from inpatients and outpatients at general hospitals in Mubi (conflict-exposed) and Jada (non-conflict), which are local government areas in Adamawa, a state in Northeastern Nigeria. The study was conducted over four months, and data on various health indicators were collected. Multivariable binary logistic regression and complementary log regression were performed to investigate the effects of individual risk factors and regional settings on the prevalence of NCDs. A sample of 463 individuals from both locations was analyzed. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, abdominal obesity, and depression in the entire cohort was 22.92%, 5.04%, 44.19%, and 17.94%, respectively. The rates of hypertension and abdominal obesity in the conflict-exposed Mubi were lower, and the rate of depression was higher than those recorded in Jada. Females showed higher rates of hypertension, obesity, and depression than males. The residents of Mubi had lower odds of having abdominal obesity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 0.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.11-0.28]) but a higher risk of depression (incidence risk ratio (IRR) = 4.78; 95% CI [2.51-9.22]) than those in Jada. However, the participants affected by insurgency showed higher odds of having both abdominal obesity (aOR = 1.95; 95% CI [1.23-3.08]) and depression (IRR = 1.76; 95% CI [1.08-2.88]) than those who were not affected by the conflict. The findings of this study underscore the urgent need for mental health support in conflict-affected regions and comprehensive healthcare strategies for the aging population. As adjustment of lifestyle factors is crucial for addressing NCDs, effective case management and food security are essential for reducing the risk of NCDs in conflict-exposed populations.
 Adult Aged Armed Conflicts - statistics & numerical data Cross-Sectional Studies Depression - epidemiology Diabetes Mellitus - epidemiology Female Humans Hypertension - epidemiology Male Middle Aged Nigeria - epidemiology Noncommunicable Diseases - epidemiology Obesity - epidemiology Obesity, Abdominal - epidemiology Prevalence Risk Factors Young Adult

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