Background: Noncommunicable diseases have become a new public health priority in low-and middle-income countries where urbanization and lifestyle changes have approached what obtains in developed countries.
Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of noncommunicable disease risk factors among market traders in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among adult market traders who were selected through a two-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEP-wise tool. Anthropometric measurements were taken along with blood pressure readings. Data were analyzed using Epi Info version 3.5.4 and a value of P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 271 respondents were studied with a mean age of 36.2 ± 13.3 years. Prevalence of hypertension was 26.6% and diabetes mellitus 9.6%. Overweight and obesity were observed in 26.2% and 31.0% of the population, respectively while inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables was reported by 88.9% and 69.4% of respondents respectively. Current alcohol and cigarette use was 25.5% and 0.7% respectively while 245 (90.4%) respondents were sedentary. Current alcohol use, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake and obesity were associated with hypertension just as current alcohol use, sedentary lifestyle and consumption of carbonated drinks were associated with diabetes mellitus.
Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus and their associated risk factors was high among these market traders. Therefore, there is need for focused preventive interventions in this neglected group.
Keywords: Market traders; noncommunicable diseases; risk factors.