Key result
The overall prevalence of NCD risk factors was high, with 12.1% reporting tobacco use, 76.5% alcohol use, 84.2% unhealthy diets, 18.4% insufficient physical activity, and 37.9% overweight.
Why the study?
Non-communicable diseases cause over 36% of deaths in Cameroon, primarily due to behavioural risk factors, but their prevalence and sociodemographic associates in Limbe adults were not well characterized.
Cross-Sectional (n=298)
There is a high prevalence of modifiable risk factors for non-communicable diseases, such as poor diet, alcohol consumption, and overweight/obesity, among urban adults in Cameroon, highlighting the need for targeted preventative interventions.
High NCD risk prevalence in Central Africa warrants prevention focus; extends regional data but leaves open causal and interventional studies.
Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for over 36% of deaths in Cameroon, primarily attributable to behavioural risk factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of NCD behavioural risk factors and their sociodemographic associates among adults in Limbe, Cameroon. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 298 adults recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a modified version of the WHO STEPs instrument for NCD risk factors. Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain sociodemographic associates. Statistical significance was set at p-value < 0.05 with a 95% CI. Results: The overall prevalence of tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, and overweight was 12.1%, 76.5%, 84.2%, 18.4%, and 37.9%. Smoking was significantly associated with females (AOR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1 - 0.4), employed individuals (AOR: 0.1, 95% CI: 0.02 - 0.3) and age 28 - 37 years (AOR: 7.6, 95% CI: 1.9 - 29.7). Current alcohol use was significantly associated with females (AOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2 - 0.8), and age 38 - 47 years (AOR: 1.1, 95% CI: 0.7 - 4.3). Insufficient physical activity was significantly associated with females (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.2 - 0.7), age 48 - 57 years (AOR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.1 - 0.8), and secondary education (AOR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.3 - 0.7). Being married (AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1 - 9.4), employed (AOR: 3.9, 95% CI: 3.6 - 7.3), and retired (AOR: 4.6, 95% CI: 3.1 - 8.1) were significantly associated with overweight/obesity. Conclusion: We observed a high prevalence of tobacco use and alcohol use, low fruit/vegetable intake, and high prevalence of overweight/obesity. Gender, age, marital status, employment, and education significantly influence these risk factors. More population-specific interventions are required to address the growing NCD burden in Cameroon.
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Akumbom et al. (2026) conducted a cross-sectional in Non-communicable disease behavioral risk factors (n=298). Sociodemographic factors (gender, age, education, occupation, marital status) vs. Reference demographic groups was evaluated on Prevalence of NCD behavioral risk factors (tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, and overweight). The overall prevalence of NCD risk factors was high, with 12.1% reporting tobacco use, 76.5% alcohol use, 84.2% unhealthy diets, 18.4% insufficient physical activity, and 37.9% overweight.
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