International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation

Drivers of the Growing Non-Communicable Disease Epidemic in East Africa: A Narrative Review of Behavioural, Socioeconomic, Environmental and Health-System Factors

Benjamin Wathum Oromcan¹, Habert Mabonga², Ronald Kareodu³

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Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are an increasing cause of morbidity, mortality and healthcare burden in East Africa. Their growing prevalence is influenced not only by behavioural risk factors but also by socioeconomic, environmental and health-system conditions. This narrative review synthesised evidence on the behavioural, socioeconomic, environmental and health-system factors contributing to the increasing NCD burden in East Africa. Methods: Relevant peer-reviewed literature and authoritative reports on NCDs in East African countries were reviewed and thematically synthesised across four domains: behavioural factors; socioeconomic and social determinants; environmental factors; and health-system factors affecting NCD prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control. Results: The evidence indicates that the NCD epidemic results from interconnected determinants. Physical inactivity, Unhealthy diets, tobacco use and harmful alcohol consumption contribute to major metabolic and cardiovascular risks. Poverty, education, employment, income, food insecurity and social inequalities influence exposure to these risks and access to healthcare. Environmental factors, including urbanisation, air pollution, occupational exposures and climate change, further increase NCD risks. Health-system challenges, including limited screening and diagnostic capacity, inadequate medicines and supplies, and workforce shortage, fragmented chronic care and limited financing, constrain effective prevention and management. Conclusion: The rising NCD burden in East Africa requires integrated and multisectoral responses that address immediate behavioural and metabolic risks alongside their underlying socioeconomic, environmental and health-system determinants. Strengthening primary healthcare, early detection, continuity of care and equitable access to NCD services is critical for effective regional NCD control.  

Keywords: Non-communicable diseasesEast Africabehavioural factorssocioeconomic determinantsenvironmental factorshealth systemsNCD prevention

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Licensed under CC BY 4.0.