Are Roma people exposed to NCD? Modifiable risk factors in a rural Roma community from Romania

Abstract

Abstract Background Knowing the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases is the first step to plan effective public health interventions. The study aims to identify the prevalence and distribution of risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCD) among adult Roma population in a rural community. Methods Using a tool based on the WHO stepwise approach, a cross-sectional study was carried out among a sample 116 adults aged 18-85 years (52 male and 64 female), from a rural community with 800 Roma members. The study instrument included questions to record behavioral risk factors (smoking behavior, alcohol drinking, diet and physical activity and also data on anthropometry and value of blood pressure). Descriptive statistics methods were used to analyze the data. Results The smoking prevalence was 35,3% (95%CI, 27.0 to 44.3,) higher for men (49,9%, 95%CI, 36,6-63,4%) than for women (23,4%, 95%CI, 14.2-34,9), higher than the smoking prevalence recorded for Romanian population in 2017 Eurobarometer study. Prevalence of obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m[2]) was observed to be high among Roma respondents 34,48% (95% CI, 26,26 to 43,47) compared with self-reported obesity rates among adults in Romania (9%, Eurostat, EHIS 2014). The observed proportion of obesity is similar for both genders, but central obesity was lower for men compared to women (57,4% to 79.6%). There was observed a higher proportion of people declaring they eat fruits less than once on a week (25%, 95% CI, 17,7 to 37,4) and adding salt before tasting the dishes (58,6%). Most of interviewed people have a sedentary lifestyle with less than 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Conclusions The high prevalence of risk factors for NCD in this rural Roma community indicates the likelihood of a high future burden of illness. Key messages There is a need for both further research into the health of Roma people regarding NCD and prevention interventions to address behavioral risk factors for NCD. Knowing the prevalence of modifiable risk factors for noncommunicable diseases is the first step to plan effective public health interventions.