1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Over the years, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Lagos, Nigeria, reflects a broader trend observed across many rapidly urbanizing regions in sub-Saharan Africa. Historically, NCDs were less prevalent in Nigeria compared to infectious diseases. However, with the rapid urbanization and economic development in Lagos, there has been a significant shift in the disease burden (Adepoju et al., 2020). The early 20th century in Lagos was marked by a predominance of infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. However, from the late 20th century onward, the epidemiological landscape began to change as urbanization intensified and lifestyles evolved. The introduction of modern conveniences and changes in dietary patterns led to increased incidences of conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases (Ogunmola & Adejumo, 2019). By the early 2000s, studies began to document a notable rise in NCDs within Lagos. This shift was attributed to increased consumption of high-calorie foods, reduced physical activity, and higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use (Ezeamama et al., 2021).
The Lagos State Government and various health organizations have since recognized the growing burden of NCDs and have made efforts to address these issues through public health campaigns and interventions. Despite these efforts, NCDs remain a significant challenge, exacerbated by socioeconomic inequalities and limited healthcare access (Oluwaseun et al., 2022).
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers represent a significant public health challenge globally, including in Nigeria. The increasing prevalence of NCDs has been attributed to various risk factors, many of which are modifiable and linked to lifestyle choices and environmental conditions (World Health Organization, 2021). In Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and economic hub, the burden of NCDs is escalating, stressing the healthcare system and impacting the quality of life of its residents (Adepoju et al., 2020). Research indicates that risk factors such as unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption are prevalent in urban settings like Lagos (Ogunmola & Adejumo, 2019). Furthermore, socioeconomic factors including income levels, education, and access to healthcare services also play a critical role in the prevalence and management of NCDs (Omotosho et al., 2021).
The prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has been steadily rising worldwide, driven by factors such as urbanization, changing lifestyles, and demographic shifts (World Health Organization, 2021). In Nigeria, particularly in urban centers like Lagos, the increasing incidence of NCDs poses significant public health concerns. Lagos, as the most populous city in Nigeria, experiences rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes that contribute to the growing burden of NCDs (Adebayo et al., 2020).
Research highlights that the urban environment in Lagos exposes residents to risk factors such as unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and high levels of stress, which are strongly associated with NCDs (Ogunmola & Adejumo, 2019). Additionally, the fast-paced urban lifestyle contributes to physical inactivity and high levels of tobacco and alcohol use, further exacerbating the risk of NCDs (Chukwuonye et al., 2020). Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the risk factors for non-communicable diseases.
1.2 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Lagos, Nigeria, presents a pressing public health issue, driven by a range of complex risk factors. One major problem is the high prevalence of lifestyle-related risk factors such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and tobacco and alcohol use, which are prevalent in urban settings like Lagos (Ogunmola & Adejumo, 2019). These factors contribute significantly to the rising incidence of conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer (Ezeamama et al., 2021).
Another issue is the socioeconomic disparities that influence the management and treatment of NCDs. Variations in income, education, and access to healthcare services exacerbate the burden of these diseases among different population groups, creating inequalities in health outcomes (Oluwaseun et al., 2022).
Additionally, the rapid urbanization and lifestyle changes in Lagos have led to environmental and behavioral shifts that increase the risk of NCDs. The lack of adequate public health infrastructure and preventive measures further complicates the situation, making it challenging to address and manage these diseases effectively (Adepoju et al., 2020). It is against the backdrop that this study seeks to address these problems by analyzing the risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Lagos, Nigeria.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to analyze the risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Lagos, Nigeria. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To analyze the current public health strategies and interventions aimed at addressing NCDs in Lagos and identify gaps in their effectiveness.
- To examine the role of environmental factors, such as urbanization and pollution, in the risk of developing NCDs among Lagos residents.
- To assess the impact of socioeconomic factors, such as income levels, education, and access to healthcare, on the prevalence and management of NCDs in the urban population of Lagos.
- To identify and evaluate the primary lifestyle-related risk factors contributing to the incidence of NCDs in Lagos, including dietary habits, physical inactivity, and substance use.
- To provide recommendations for targeted public health policies and interventions based on the identified risk factors and findings from the study.
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What are the primary lifestyle-related risk factors contributing to the prevalence of NCDs in Lagos?
- How do socioeconomic factors such as income, education, and access to healthcare influence the incidence and management of NCDs among Lagos residents?
- What role do environmental factors, including urbanization and pollution, play in the risk of developing NCDs in Lagos?
- How effective are current public health strategies and interventions in addressing NCDs in Lagos?
- What improvements or new strategies can be recommended to better manage and reduce the impact of NCDs based on the identified risk factors?
1.5 Research Hypothesis
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
- H0 (Null Hypothesis): There is no significant relationship between lifestyle-related risk factors (such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and substance use) and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Lagos
- H1(Alternative Hypothesis): There is a significant relationship between lifestyle-related risk factors (such as unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and substance use) and the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in Lagos
1.6 Significance of Study
The study will provide healthcare professionals with a clearer understanding of the primary risk factors associated with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Lagos, enabling them to tailor their treatment and preventive measures more effectively. Also, policymakers will benefit from the study’s findings by gaining insights into the most pressing risk factors and environmental conditions that need to be addressed through public health policies and urban planning.
Furthermore, community leaders will receive valuable information on how to promote healthier lifestyle choices and preventive practices among residents. More so, researchers will find the study's results useful for guiding future investigations into NCDs and related public health issues in similar urban settings.
Lastly, the general public will gain increased awareness of the risk factors associated with NCDs and the importance of adopting healthier behaviors to mitigate these risks.
1.7 Scope of Study
The scope of the research is focused on the analysis of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Lagos, Nigeria.
1.8 Limitations of the Study
The study faced several limitations that impacted its execution and research findings.
- Insufficient data was a major challenge, as the availability of comprehensive and up-to-date information on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Lagos was limited.
- Frequent power failures disrupted data collection and analysis processes, leading to delays and potential data loss.
- Delays from respondents also hindered the timely gathering of responses, affecting the overall quality and completeness of the data.
- Financial constraints limited the scope of the study, restricting resources available for extensive data collection and analysis.
- Additionally, time constraints imposed restrictions on the depth of investigation and the breadth of the study.
1.9 Definition of Terms
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs):
Non-communicable diseases are chronic diseases that are not transmitted from one person to another and include conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers (World Health Organization, 2021). These diseases are often linked to lifestyle and environmental factors.
Risk Factors:
Risk factors are variables that increase the likelihood of developing a disease or health condition. For NCDs, common risk factors include unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption, and environmental exposures (Marmot & Wilkinson, 2006).
Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors:
These are risk factors associated with personal habits and behaviors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, smoking, and alcohol use, that significantly contribute to the development of NCDs (Ezeamama et al., 2021).
Socioeconomic Factors:
Socioeconomic factors encompass variables such as income, education level, and access to healthcare, which can influence health outcomes and the prevalence of NCDs (Oluwaseun et al., 2022).
Urbanization:
Urbanization refers to the increasing population concentration in urban areas and the associated changes in lifestyle, environment, and health risks. In Lagos, rapid urbanization has been linked to rising rates of NCDs due to changes in lifestyle and environmental conditions (Adepoju et al., 2020).
