The role of family in non-communicable disease prevention in Sub-Saharan Africa

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease risk factors such as diabetes (DM) and hypertension (HTN), are becoming an increasing burden in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); by 2030, NCDs are expected to eclipse communicable diseases as the leading causes of death. DM and HTN require daily management to prevent stroke, myocardial infarction, or other complications including kidney failure. In SSA, the concept of family is critical for DM and HTN management behaviors such as adhering to medications and possessing the ability to purchase related goods. Many management behaviors also serve as primary prevention for DM and HTN. For example, including family in primary and secondary prevention strategies for NCDs in SSA may enhance existing interventions by exposing the whole family to positive NCD management methods and reinforcing better NCD outcomes for family members with NCDs. Furthermore, family inclusion may encourage preventive behaviors and, as a result, increase primary prevention of NCDs among other family members.