Non-communicable diseases among prison inmates in North-West Nigeria

Abstract

Background: There is paucity of data on prevalence of non-communicable diseases in prison inmates. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of non-communicable diseases in inmates of Sokoto Central Prison, North-West Nigeria.

Methodology: Cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out. Interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain demographic data. Height, weight and blood pressure were measured following standard guidelines, and casual blood glucose was obtained in all the inmates.

Results: The mean (SD) age was 31.2 (9.7)years with age range 18-82years. Of the 373 inmates screened, 60 (16.1%) inmates were found to have systemic hypertension, 2 (0.5%) diabetes mellitus, 16 (4.3%) obesity and 24 (6.4%) underweight.

Conclusion: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases, especially hypertension in Nigerian prison is high. There is the need for health policy makers and other stakeholders to come up with strategies aimed at reducing the burden of diseases in Nigerian prisons.

Keywords: Health policy, males, systemic hypertension, underweight