Introduction Kenya has experienced significant population growth and demographic changes, which have inspired urbanization trends and shifts that have been linked to the rising incidence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). However, rural–urban inequalities in these NCDs remain underexplored in Kenya, especially among women. This study analyzed the rural–urban disparities in NCD prevalence and associated factors among this population to bridge the existing literature gap. Methods The study utilized cross‐sectional data from the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), covering 32,156 women aged 15–49. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi‐square tests, and logistic regression models. Multivariate nonlinear decomposition was used to assess the factors contributing to rural–urban disparities. Statistical significance was considered at p < 0.05. Results Overall, NCDs prevalence was (8.0% 7.7, 9.5). NCDs in this study refer to whether a participant had been diagnosed with at least one of these conditions (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, chronic lung disease, cervical cancer, depression, anxiety, or arthritis). The prevalence of NCDs was slightly higher among women living in urban areas (8.6% 7.7, 9.5) than those in rural areas (7.7% 7.3, 8.1). Approximately 51% of the rural–urban disparities in NCDs among Kenyan women were due to differences in sociodemographic characteristics. However, 49% of the disparity was unexplained, suggesting the potential influence of contextual, environmental, or healthcare access factors not captured in the KDHS. Age was associated with higher NCD risk among those aged 45–49 years in both rural (4.2 2.1, 8.6) and urban areas (3.8 2.7, 5.5). Previously married women also had an increased risk of NCDs (rural 1.5 1.0, 1.8, urban 1.5 1.1, 2.1). Interestingly, for urban residents only, women who were working (1.2 1.0, 1.4) and belonged to the rich category (1.7 1.4, 2.1) had a higher risk of NCDs. Additionally, the odds of NCD risk were lower among nonalcoholic women (0.6 0.4, 0.8) in urban areas. Conclusion The study found a significant prevalence of at least one NCD among women of reproductive age in Kenya. Further analysis revealed that age, wealth, and marital status significantly increased NCD risks among this population, highlighting the need for targeted interventions, particularly among rural women.
Otoo et al. (Thu,) studied this question.