Risk Factors & Prevention

A significant part of the Kenyan population which includes children between the ages of 13-15 years have adopted lifestyles that have pre-exposed them to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

TOBACCO USE

Tobacco is the leading preventable cause of premature death globally. It is estimated that it causes 5 million deaths annually and this may rise to 10 million by the year 2030. Thirteen percent (13%) of Kenyans consume some form of tobacco products.

UNHEALTHY DIET

Kenya is increasingly faced with diet-related non-communicable diseases, especially trans and saturated fats and salt but low in fruits and vegetables. WHO recommends at least five servings of fruits and vegetables in a day.

INSUFFICIENT PHYSICAL ACTVITY

Physical inactivity is recognized as an important risk factor for multiple causes of death and chronic morbidity and disability. 6.5% of Kenyans do not engage in the recommended amount of physical activity. WHO recommends that adults aged 18-64 years should do at least 30 minutes of moderate–intensity physical activity daily.

HARMFUL USE OF ALCOHOL

Approximately 19.3 percent of Kenyans currently drink alcohol with 13 percent of these consuming alcohol daily. In more recent years the role of alcohol in NCDs, such as heart disease, liver cirrhosis and cancer, is increasing across the world.

AIR POLLUTION

Air pollution was included as a fifth risk factor for NCDs at the United Nations High-level Meeting on NCDs in September 2018. Indoor air pollution (from use of biomass fuel for cooking and heating), outdoor air pollution and occupational dusts and chemicals.