On 28 November 2020 the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Lifestyle research entity in the Faculty of Health Sciences shared its research findings on the lifestyle of the Lokaleng village - situated only a few kilometres from the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus - with its community.

According to Prof Ushotanefe Useh, acting director of the research entity, the NWU wanted to reach out to the community of Lokaleng to address lifestyle diseases such as stroke, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

The aim of the research was therefore to develop a chronic care framework for the community by creating a culturally acceptable Chronic Care Model to manage chronic lifestyle diseases.

Research bears fruit

During the event, the entity team led by Prof Useh presented a few of the findings from its research.

The first study – “Inter-professional care for chronic lifestyle diseases” – looked at the challenges chronic lifestyle diseases pose for public health and other healthcare practitioners. This study was published in the African Journal of Biomedical Research.

“A survey of the knowledge of chronic lifestyle diseases among members of a university community in South Africa” was the title of the second study.

This study focused on the increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases among people from different economic backgrounds as well as race, religion and age groups. Having adequate knowledge of chronic diseases can lead to behavioural changes and eventually the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

The third and final study was titled “Chronic lifestyle diseases risk factor profiles in a black South African rural community”.

This study assessed risk factors for chronic lifestyle diseases among rural community dwellers of a black community in the Mahikeng Municipality.

Cooperation is key

Prof Useh said cooperation between the community, the NWU and other stakeholders is very important to effectively address and manage chronic lifestyle diseases in the community. He suggested that a local community committee should be established.

“We also need to involve other stakeholders such as the provincial departments of Health, Social Development, Agriculture and Industry to assist,” he added.

Prof Ushotanefe Useh (left) and Dr Bashir Bello (right) are joined by two health workers from the Lokaleng clinic.

In the back from left are Prof Vincent Mabvurira, Koketso Matlakala, Prof Ushotanefe Useh and Evans Mohlatlole from the NWU. Seated are Dr Kesolofetse Lefenya with Kgosi Motshegare of the Lokaleng community.