Research Article

Determinants of Noncommunicable Diseases in Urban and Peri-urban Areas in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) constitute an increasing public health problem occasioned by rapid urbanisation and lifestyle transitions. In Rivers State, Nigeria, the contrast between industrial urban centres like Port Harcourt and surrounding peri-urban areas may create distinct NCD risk profiles. This study sought to determine the prevalence of key NCDs (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and chronic respiratory disease) among adults in urban and peri-urban communities in Rivers State and to evaluate their socio-demographic determinants. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 652 adult residents (326 urban and 326 peri-urban) aged 18 years and above in Rivers State. Data were collected using a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance. Self-reported healthcare provider diagnosis of NCDs served as the primary outcome variable. Descriptive statistics were summarized as frequencies and percentages, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate crude (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI) for predictors of NCD status. NCD prevalence was consistently higher in urban compared to peri-urban communities. Hypertension was the most prevalent condition across both settings (33.0% urban vs. 23.3% peri-urban), followed by diabetes mellitus (14.7% urban vs. 8.6% peri-urban) and multimorbidity (18.6% urban vs. 11.8% peri-urban). Older age was strongly associated with NCDs in urban areas, with adults aged >64 years exhibiting higher odds of hypertension (AOR = 8.23, 95% CI: 2.35–28.82) and diabetes (AOR = 5.55, 95% CI: 1.09–28.25) compared to those aged 18–24 years. Currently married (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.12–3.75) and previously married (AOR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.16–6.19) urban residents had significantly higher odds of hypertension. Higher educational attainment conferred a significant protective effect against diabetes in peri-urban areas (AOR = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20–0.88). Monthly income was not a statistically significant predictor of NCDs in either setting. In view of the distinct patterns of socio demographic risks, context-specific health interventions is recommended. Target strategies should include age-focused screenings in urban centres and health literacy initiatives in peri-urban communities.

Authors affiliation:

Alozie Hanachor Alozie Nwafor (ORCID): Department of Public Health Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Priscilia Nyekpunwo Ogbonda (ORCID): Department of Public Health Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Clement Kevin Edet: Department of Community Medicine, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Anthony Ike Wegbom (ORCID): Department of Public Health Sciences, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

How To Cite: A.H.A. Nwafor, P.N. Ogbonda, C.K. Edet, and A.I. Wegbom. Determinants of Noncommunicable Diseases in Urban and Peri-urban Areas in Rivers State, Nigeria. Journal of Public Health and Environmental Research, 2(2):52–60, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58612/jpher226