Selected Non-communicable Disease Risk Factors and Mental Health of South African Durban-based Refugees: A Cross-sectional Study

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading contributor to mortality and morbidity worldwide, with refugees considered more susceptible to NCDs. Refugees often encounter difficulties in accessing healthcare, resulting in delayed diagnostic assessment and treatment of mental disorders and NCDs, leading to the deterioration of the condition. The study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs and mental health among South African Durban-based refugees.

This cross-sectional study was conducted among 121 randomly selected South African Durban-based refugees. Data on the metabolic risk factors for NCDs were collected using a modified version of the World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPwise approach to (NCDs) surveillance (STEPS) instrument. Participants' mental health disorders were determined with a Global Mental Health Assessment Tool-Primary Care Version questionnaire.

A significant 38.80% of participants had normal BMI [x² (5, n=47) = 82.55, p<.001], 24.0% were overweight [x² (5, n=29) = 82.55, p<.001], 25.6% were obese class l [x² (5, n=31) = 82.55, p<.001]. A significant 77.1% [x² (2, n=64) = 76.79, p<.001] of the participants had desirable cholesterol levels, and 62.3% [x² (2, n=71) = 44.57, p<.001] had normal fasting glucose levels. A significant 26.1% [x² (4, n=31) = 64.82, p<.001] and 46.2% [x² (4, n=55) = 64.82, p<.001] were classified as having hypertension stage I and II, respectively. A non-significant 32.2% and 25.0% experienced depression and anxiety.

The prevalence of hypertension and high BMI levels combined with mental disorders underscores the importance of healthcare service delivery to this vulnerable population in SA.