Sources of Information on Awareness of Lifestyle Diseases Among Residents of Nakuru Town East Constituency

Abstract

This study sought to examine the sources of information on awareness of lifestyle diseases among residents of Nakuru Town East constituency. The study focused on sources of information for common lifestyle diseases and risk factors, changing lifestyle, and dietary behavior patterns. An explorative descriptive design was used and the study utilized both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. The study used Health Belief Model. Data was collected using questionnaire and interview guides. Questionnaire was administered to a sample of 385 individuals in the five wards of Nakuru Town East Constituency. The sample size was calculated using Yamane’s sample calculation formula and included 77 adult individuals randomly sampled in each of the five wards. Qualitative data collected from five health professionals’ interviews and data collected from open ended questions in the questionnaire was analysed using narrative method. The findings revealed that electronic media is the leading source of information on lifestyle diseases. Public awareness about lifestyles diseases and their risk factors was directly proportional to the level of education and that gender was not a factor. Media was found to be helpful in creating awareness, advising on the remedies for the said diseases and encouraging health lifestyles. The study recommended that programs directed to develop means to improve public’s knowledge of the risk factors for lifestyle diseases can bring favorable changes in their lifestyles and reduce lifestyle diseases mobility and mortality. It also recommended that awareness campaign materials should be short simple and clear to be interpreted and understood by majority of the public. They can also be translated into local languages for easy consumption.