Preventive practices targeting modifiable risk behaviors for hypertension and diabetes mellitus and associated factors among high school teachers in Southwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Hypertension and diabetes mellitus are leading non-communicable diseases worldwide and contribute substantially to morbidity and mortality. They are driven largely by behavioral risk factors such as unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol consumption. Teachers constitute an important occupational group, as their health influences both educational outcomes and their capacity to serve as role models for healthy behaviors within communities. However, evidence regarding preventive practices targeting modifiable risk behaviors for hypertension and diabetes mellitus among teachers in Ethiopia remains limited. The study aimed to assess preventive practices targeting modifiable risk behaviors for hypertension and diabetes mellitus and associated factors among high school teachers in Jimma Town, Southwest Ethiopia. An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 28 to June 28, 2024. A total of 315 teachers were selected using multistage sampling, and 309 participated in the study. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 27. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with preventive practices. Statistical significance was declared at p < 0.05 with a 95% confidence interval. Of the 315 teachers selected for the study, 309 participated, yielding a response rate of 98.1%. The proportion of teachers who demonstrated good preventive practices targeting modifiable risk behaviors for hypertension and diabetes mellitus was 46% (95% CI: 40.37–51.54). A family history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI: 1.50–7.96), training on hypertension and diabetes mellitus prevention (AOR = 4.59; 95% CI: 1.44–14.62), and favorable attitudes toward prevention (AOR = 3.68; 95% CI: 2.11–6.43) were positively associated with good preventive practices. Conversely, monthly salary levels of 4501–9000 Ethiopian birr (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.08–0.40) and 9001–13,500 ETB (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.17–0.79) were negatively associated with preventive practices. Less than half of the teachers demonstrated good preventive practices targeting modifiable risk behaviors for hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Family history, training, favorable attitude, and monthly salary were independently associated with preventive practices. Strengthening school-based health education and training programs may support preventive behaviors among teachers.