Title:
Hypertension - The New Silent Killer in Zimbabwe: Is Primary Prevention a Solution?
Authors:
Katsinde, Constance Shorayi
Year:
2014
PAGE:
ix, 46
Language:
En
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Keywords:
Hypertension, Primary Prevention, Non-Communicable Disease, Lifestyle, Zimbabwe, Sub-Sahara Africa
Abstract:
The burden of hypertension and its sequel are on the increase in Zimbabwe putting strain on the already overburdened and under funded health care system. Identification of effective, evidence – based interventions is important in order to make recommendations to the MoHCW informing policy for implementation of these interventions so as to reduce the burden of hypertension in Zimbabwe. The thesis is based on literature review. Andersen’s Behavioral Model of health services utilization was used to analyze the risk factors for hypertension and identify interventions that could be used to respond to the burden of hypertension. Studies reviewed were from Zimbabwe, sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC) and the world over. Hypertension is on increase in Zimbabwe. Risk factors identified include advanced age, unhealthy diet, smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. Findings show many effective evidence – based interventions that are implementable at a low cost. Screening, counseling and health education and or promotion activities on diet, salt reduction and physical activities can be implemented in Zimbabwe at both individual and population level. Integration of primary prevention strategies into Primary Health Care (PHC) is feasible. Like many SSA countries, Zimbabwe has been slow in responding to the growing problem of hypertension. However the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare (MoHCW) has initiated the development of the NCDs policy and establishing a department on NCDs in the ministry. The Ministry could start off with the implementation of evidence - based interventions that can easily be integrated into the PHC strategy. Zimbabwe needs to develop a NCDs policy in order to develop hypertension programs, develop monitoring mechanisms for the laws already in place like the tobacco laws and engage other sectors in the fight against hypertension.
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
,
VU - Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institue)
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Country:
Zimbabwe, Republic of
Region:
Southern Africa
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)
Category:
Research
Right:
© 2014 Katsinde
Document type:
Thesis/dissertation
File:
lAQw88b6oJ_20161026123203627.pdf