Non-communicable disease risk factors in Palestine refugees in Lebanon: a descriptive study

Abstract

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases are more prevalent in refugees living in vulnerable circumstances. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of risk factors for hypertension and diabetes in Palestine refugees in Lebanon (PRL), including those fleeing the Syrian conflict (PRS). We hypothesised that risk factors for developing non-communicable diseases would be prevalent in these individuals. MethodsThis descriptive study was done in eight health centres supported by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) in Lebanon from August 2014, to January, 2015. A random sample of PRL and PRS (aged 40 years and older) was selected from the patients attending these clinics. Direct measurements of height and weight were done to calculate body-mass index. A questionnaire was administered to enrolled participants to investigate smoking habits, personal history of cardiovascular diseases, and family history of diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Findings5025 PRL and 799 PRS were enrolled in this study. Among PRL, obesity affected 35% of women and 25% of men. Conversely, the prevalence of smoking was 58% in men and 42% in women. The prevalence of a family history of diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease was 62% overall, whereas 2% of the participants had a personal history of cardiovascular disease. Among PRS, the prevalence of obesity was 47% in women and 22% in men. In the PRS group, 67% of men and 34% of women were smokers. In the PRS group, 57% of the participants had a family history of diabetes, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease, whereas 4% of participants reported a personal history of cardiovascular disease. InterpretationRisk factors for non-communicable diseases were widespread in both groups of Palestinian refugees aged 40 years or older. The prevalence of obesity and overweight was high in both groups, particularly in female PRS. Smoking habits were reported in both groups, mainly by men in the PRS group. More than two-thirds of the overall sample was affected by one or two risk factors. Despite the descriptive nature of this study, it provides information for policy makers to intervene in preventing and decreasing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in refugee populations. FundingNone.