POPULAR PERCEPTIONS OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES IN THE COTONOU-ABOMEY-CALAVI URBAN DOUBLET IN SOUTHERN BENIN

In the urban areas of Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi, changing lifestyles and demographic shifts are considered key factors in the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This research aims to explore people's perceptions of NCDs, based on socio-epidemiological data collected from 761 individuals. The data was processed using computer software, and descriptive statistical analyses were employed to examine associations between variables.

The results reveal that the majority of respondents have a good understanding of the four main NCDs identified in Benin: hypertension (HTA), diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), and cancers. Perceptions of these diseases are closely tied to their symptoms. The most commonly cited factors contributing to the increase in cases include irritability (71%) and psychological distress (61%) for hypertension; excessive sugar consumption (85%) and overweight or obesity (33%) for diabetes; air pollution (80%), climate variability (70%), and smoking (40%) for chronic respiratory diseases; and factors related to lifestyle, environmental conditions, and co-morbidities as the primary contributors to cancer risk. However, it is worth noting that nearly 20% of respondents pointed to a lack of knowledge as a factor in the spread of NCDs, emphasizing the need for increased public health awareness and action to address these diseases.