Prevalence and major risk factors of non-communicable diseases: a machine learning based cross-sectional study

Introduction:The mortality associated with non-communicable diseases has increased significantly in most countries in the World Health Organization Western Pacific Region over the last 20 years, as have the underlying risk factors. This study aimed to collate evidence on the prevalence of four major non-communicable diseases and their risk factors in Papua New Guinea in order to inform appropriate policy for their prevention and management.Methods:We performed a systematic review of Papua New Guinea-based population prevalence studies of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancers, as well as non-communicable disease risk factors published before 2016. Five online databases were searched and screened against eligibility criteria according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.Results:A total of 57 articles were included in this review, most of which (n = 48) were published prior to 2000. Eleven articles reported on diabetes, six reported on chronic lung disease/asthma, two reported on cardiovascular diseases, and two reported cancer as the primary outcome, while the remaining 36 papers reported non-communicable disease risk factors.Conclusion:This review demonstrated variations in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (0%–19%) and their risk factors (0%–80.6%) attributed to the lifestyle and genetic diversity of the Papua New Guinea population. There is a strong suggestion that the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus) and key non-communicable disease risk factors (hypertension, overweight, and obesity) has increased, but there is a lack of recent data. As such, there is an urgent need for new and up-to-date data in all areas of Papua New Guinea.

BackgroundThere is limited evidence about the prevalence and risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among older Ugandans. Therefore, this article is aimed at investigating the prevalence of self-reported NCDs and their associated risk factors using a nationally representative sample.DesignWe conducted a secondary analysis of the 2010 Uganda National Household Survey (UNHS) using a weighted sample of 2,382 older people. Frequency distributions for descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests to identify the association between self-reported NCDs and selected explanatory variables were done. Finally, multivariable complementary log–log regressions to estimate the risk factors for self-reported NCDs among older people in Uganda were done.ResultsAbout 2 in 10 (23%) older persons reported at least one NCD [including hypertension (16%), diabetes (3%), and heart disease (9%)]. Among all older people, reporting NCDs was higher among those aged 60–69 and 70–79; Muslims; and Pentecostals and Seventh Day Adventists (SDAs). In addition, the likelihood of reporting NCDs was higher among older persons who depended on remittances and earned wages; owned a bicycle; were sick in the last 30 days; were disabled; and were women. Conversely, the odds of reporting NCDs were lower for those who were relatives of household heads and were poor.ConclusionsIn Uganda, self-reported NCDs were associated with advanced age, being a woman, having a disability, ill health in the past 30 days, being rich, depended on remittances and earning wages, being Muslim, Pentecostal and SDAs, and household headship. The Ministry of Health should prevent and manage NCDs by creating awareness in the public and improving the supply of essential drugs for these health conditions. Finally, there is a need for specialised surveillance studies of older people to monitor the trends and patterns of NCDs over time.

Noncommunicable disease burden in Brazil and its states from 1990 to 2021, with projections for 2030

A World with Fewer People with Diabetes Noncommunicable Diseases

Objective: The objective of this study was to expand the evidence base on the prevalence of risk factors for the main noncommunicable diseases (such as diabetes mellitus, blood pressure, and obesity) among rural women in Yemen. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 450 rural women in the age range from 18 to 60 years who presented in the targeted health centers of Sana’a and Al-Mahweet governorates during the time of the study. Data were collected by a structured questionnaire developed as per World Health Organization STEPS guidelines. Body mass index, blood pressure, and biochemical measurements of fasting blood glucose were recorded. Results: Ninety-four percent of the respondents were physically inactive. Only 3.5% of respondents were smokers, while 66.3% were qat chewers. Forty-seven percent watched TV. Thirty-nine percent of respondents ate vegetables daily, while 19.5% consumed fruits daily. Among the respondents, 31.3% were obese, 15.0% were hypertensive, and 7.8% had diabetes mellitus. Age group, marital status, and education level were significantly associated with obesity, blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus. There were significant associations between obesity and blood pressure, as well as between blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: Frequent campaigns and educational programs are to be encouraged for the adoption of healthy lifestyle practices and health promotion.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes are leading causes of global mortality and disability. Addressing the impact of NCDs aligns with sustainable development goals. Objective: The objective of this paper is to use individual data to investigate the risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adults in Pakistan. Study Design: Questionnaire-based cross-sectional study. Settings: A sample of 376 patients was selected using a single population proportion due to a lack of data. Participants were chosen through consecutive sampling in three cities: Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Layyah Pakistan. Duration: Over 14 months. Methods: Descriptive and multinomial logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the relationship between various factors and the prevalence of specific non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Results: This study seeks to identify NCD determinants to inform effective prevention and intervention strategies. Age emerges as a primary predictor, with individuals aged 36–55 and above exhibiting higher odds of NCD prevalence than those under 35. Gender also matters, as females have a higher likelihood of NCDs. Urban living is linked to elevated NCD risk due to sedentary lifestyles. Income shows a positive association with NCD susceptibility, although it decreases at higher levels. Smoking, excessive caffeinated or carbonated drink consumption and eating out elevate NCD risk. Conversely, consuming fruits and vegetables, engaging in physical activity, and getting sufficient sleep lower susceptibility. A positive family NCD history increases the likelihood of experiencing NCDs. Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for comprehensive policy interventions to alleviate the NCD burden. Addressing modifiable risk factors like smoking and unhealthy diets is critical. Public awareness, community engagement, and regulatory measures are recommended. Collaborative efforts across sectors are essential for promoting health and preventing NCDs, while also addressing disparities and healthcare access. Overall, this study offers valuable insights for effective NCD combat strategies.

Non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes, along with respective risk factors, pose a public health problem in Saudi Arabia. This study was done using GBD-SHIS data to study the prevalence and risk factors of non-communicable diseases in Saudi Arabia. Data from nationally representative sample collected during Saudi health Interview Survey (SHIS) 2013 was ana-lyzed. Among a total of 10195 respondents, the mean age was 37.9 years (SD 16.1), of which 5252 (51.5%) were female and 6623 (65.0%) were currently married. The most common NCD was asthma (3.65%), followed by myocardial infarction (0.67%) and stroke (0.48%) and renal failure (0.54%). The most common NCD risk factor was ever smoking (17.01%). Diabetes (11.40%) and hypertension (9.38%) were the other common risk factors. All the NCDs were higher in the age group >60 years. The study clearly highlights the high burden of NCDs and their risk factors among Saudi population. The study inputs are extremely useful for government, service providers and population to develop appropriate prevention, screening and management services. Keywords: Non-communicable diseases, Aged, risk factors

Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are the major causes of mortality and morbidity globally. Knowledge about NCDs and their risk factors are not only considered critical in NCDs prevention and management, but hold the potential to reduce the burden.. Objective: This cross-sectional descriptive study was aimed at determining NCDs knowledge level and risk factors prevalence among adult population in Delta State. Data collection: A semi-structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from the participants and was then subjected to data analysis using of SPSS version 20. Results: Findings shows low knowledge of NCDs and its risk factors with only 16.66% having good knowledge of NCDs and 12.17% good knowledge level of its risk factors. Prevalence profile of the risk factors among the participants revealed varied responses, with four risks factors showing high prevalence value of above 20%: sedentarism (23.96%); high fast foods consumption (39.79%); inadequate fruit and vegetable (37.70%); excess soft drinks consumption (62.71%) . Hypertension was the most self –reported NCDs among the studied population (43.75%), followed by 23.13%, chronic respiratory diseases 20.42% and diabetes 6.04%. Conclusion: These findings revealed clustering of NCDs risk factors among the studied population, thus an expected increase in NCDs burden consequently. Since most of these risk factors can be reduced by behavioral modifications, population wide education on NCDs and its risks factors as well as strengthening of the Primary health care centres for early detection is hereby recommended

Background: Diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases, heart diseases, and cancers are diseases of public health importance in India. People with pre-existing non communicable diseases (NCDs) are vulnerable to COVID and associated complications. Risk factors for NCDs were found to have increased due to pandemic. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the impact of the COVID 19 on chronic NCDs and life style diseases. Materials and Methods: Articles from India published between March 2019 and May 2022 were searched from database such as PubMed, Scopus, Google scholar using MeSH and keywords such as “COVID 19” OR “Coronavirus” OR “SARS-2 CoVirus” AND Lifestyle diseases,” “COVID-19” OR “Coronavirus” OR “SARS-2 CoVirus” AND “Diabetes” OR “HYPERTENSION.” Summary of 18 articles was presented after inclusion and exclusion criterion and removing of duplicates. Results: Risk of COVID 19 in people with pre-existing non-communicable diseases is high, prognosis is poor, and complications are higher. COVID 19 and lockdown measures resulted in restrictions of movements, dietary and sleep pattern changes, psycho social impacts, non-availability or difficulty in procuring medicines, accessibility to health-care facilities, burden on health-care facilities, difficulties in (using or lack of awareness) about tele-consultations facilities, and thus burden of NCDs is expected to rise in future. Conclusions: COVID 19 pandemic had direct and indirect impact on screening, diagnosis and management of patients with NCDs. Burden of NCDs may rise thereby putting extra burden on health-care facilities which warrants preparedness.

BackgroundMetabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises several interrelated conditions, including central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia—all substantially raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. National Family Health Survey–5 survey findings indicate that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands has a high risk of MetS due to the high prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Ayurveda highlights that an individual’s psychosomatic constitution (Prakriti) plays a key role in determining disease susceptibility, prognosis, and treatment outcomes. Few studies have demonstrated the association and specific Prakriti types with diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, Parkinson disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the association between MetS and Prakriti remains uninvestigated. Moreover, data on the prevalence of MetS in these islands are limited, and the variations reported in prevalence studies on MetS from mainland India point to challenges in generalizing those findings. Additionally, the unique geography, ethnicity, lifestyle, and health care infrastructure of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands further stress the need for this study.ObjectiveThis study examines the prevalence of MetS and noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors in the South Andaman district and their association with Prakriti and socioeconomic status (SES).MethodsA cross-sectional study will be conducted with 1000 randomly sampled adult participants from the South Andaman district, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. In this study, participants aged 18 years and older who are willing to provide written consent will be included. The exclusion criteria include pregnant women, nonambulant individuals, and those who are unable to undergo Prakriti assessment. MetS will be assessed using the International Diabetes Federation criteria, and NCD risk factors will be recorded via the WHO STEPS (World Health Organization STEPwise approach to noncommunicable disease risk factor surveillance) instrument. Prakriti will be assessed using the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences Prakriti Assessment Scale, and SES will be determined using the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale. Data analyses will include descriptive statistics to estimate MetS and NCD risk factor prevalence. Bivariate analyses (chi-square) will explore associations between the variables, quantifying strength with crude and adjusted odds ratios. A multivariable logistic regression will be used to adjust for confounders. Propensity score matching will serve as a sensitivity analysis. Significance is set at an α of .05, using STATA (version 16.1; Stata Corp LLC) software.ResultsThe study started in August 2024; as of June 2025, the survey covered 619 participants.ConclusionsThis study will provide crucial data on the prevalence of MetS and NCD risk factors in the South Andaman population and investigate associations between constitutional Prakriti types and SES with MetS and NCD risk factors. Despite the constraints inherent to its cross-sectional design, the research offers essential baseline information to support future studies on both Prakriti and MetS in this unique population.International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)DERR1-10.2196/81329

Context: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are emerging as the major scope of death and disability worldwide, which is the result of demographic and epidemiological transition along with increase in risk factors resulting from social and economic changes. Aims: The present work was undertaken to study the prevalence of key risk factors for major NCDs in local population. Materials and Methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from November 2016 to April 2017 by utilizing the World Health Organization formulated STEPwise approach to Surveillance of NCD risk factors. Data were collected from 303 participants aged 25–64 years using structured data collection format which includes demographic details, physical measures, and behavioral measures. Results: The results of the present study shows that illiteracy, overweight, alcohol consumption, smoking/tobacco use, hypertension, physical inactivity, and unhealthy dietary habits are existing in the study population which acts as potential risk factors for the development of various NCDs. Conclusions: The study concludes that both behavioral and physiological risk factors for NCDs exist in the study population. The high prevalence of these risk factors predicts high chances of occurrence of NCDs such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and chronic respiratory diseases.

Objective Afghanistan is dealing with a double burden of diseases and yet there has been no evidence synthesis of the scientific literature on noncommunicable disease (NCDs), thus this study fills the gap by systematically analysing the prevalence of four major NCDs and the associated risk factors. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies published since 2000, reporting the prevalence of diabetes, chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), cardiovascular disease (CVDs) or cancer, and their risk factors in Afghanistan. Four online databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, and Google Scholar) and two local peer reviewed journals in Afghanistan were systematically searched using the predefined keywords. Two reviewers independently screened and appraised the quality of the papers. Data extraction and data synthesis were carried out using tabulated template. Stata 13 was used to perform the meta-analysis. Results 58 articles included in this review of which 13 focused on cancer, 10 on diabetes, 7 on CVDs, 5 on CRDs, and 23 on any of the risk factors as primary outcome. Very few articles reported the prevalence of 4 NCDs in general population where cancer was reported 0.15%, asthma ranged between 12.5% to 17.3% and no evidence on CVDs. The pooled prevalence for diabetes, hypertension, and overweight were 12%, 31%, and 35% respectively. Central obesity was almost twice prevalent in females (76% vs 40%). Similarly, the pooled prevalence of smoking and snuff use were 14% and 25% in males, and 2% and 3% in females respectively. Conclusions Less evidence is available on the prevalence of major NCDs in Afghanistan, however, the risk factors for NCDs are prevalent across the country. The quality of the available data specially those of the local resources are poor, therefore, further research should be conducted to generate reliable evidences to inform the policy makers on prioritization of the interventions for the control of NCDs in Afghanistan. Key messages • The prevalence of NCDs is escalating in Afghanistan, and the local data show higher estimates of NCDs and their associated risk factors. • Prevalence of NCD risk factors is relatively high in Afghanistan, and considering the political emergency situation, if preventive measures are not taken properly, the burden of NCDs may increase.

Background and objectiveUnhealthy lifestyle behaviours are important risk factors of morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the sociodemographic predictors of multiple non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors experienced by elderly South Africans.MethodsWe conducted a national population-based cross-sectional survey with a sample of 3,840 individuals aged 50 years or above in South Africa in 2008. The outcome variable was the co-existence of multiple NCD risk factors (tobacco use, alcohol, physical inactivity, fruit and vegetable intake, overweight or obesity, and hypertension) in each individual. The exposure variables were sociodemographic characteristics, namely, age, gender, education, wealth status, population group, marital status, and residence. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the association between sociodemographic variables and multiple NCD risk factors.ResultsThe mean number of NCD risk factors among all participants was three (95% confidence interval: 2.81–3.10). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that being female, being in the age group of 60–69 years, and being from the Coloured and Black African race were associated with a higher number of NCD risk factors. Marital status, educational level, wealth, and residence were not significantly associated with the number of NCD risk factors experienced.ConclusionsThe co-existence of multiple lifestyle NCD risk factors among the elderly is a public health concern. Comprehensive health-promotion interventions addressing the co-existence of multiple NCD risk factors tailored for specific sociodemographic groups are needed.

Historically overshadowed by communicable diseases, the burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has surged over the past two decades, posing a significant threat to public health, and necessitating urgent attention. This study examines the mortality burden from four major groups/categories of NCDs including cancers, cardiovascular diseases (CVD), chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) and diabetes, prevalence of four NCD associated risk factors including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and overweight, availability of NCD essential medicines and progress indicators of the NCD response in the WHO African region. The data used in this study were obtained from the WHO NCD data portal, Global Health Observatory, and Global Health Estimates, covering the most recent available data for each indicator, ranging from 2000 to 2019 to assess how trends in NCD mortality burden have evolved, as well as the current status of the four main risk factors, availability of essential medicines, and key NCD response indicators. The analysis focused on descriptive statistics for globally used, disease-specific key indicators to examine trends and variations across countries: (i) age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR) for major NCDs (cancers, CRD, CVD and diabetes), (ii) prevalence of NCD risk factors (tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and overweight), (iii) availability of essential medicines for NCDs in public health facilities, and (iv) national NCD response indicators, such as the presence of NCD targets, mortality data, risk factor reduction measures, and surveillance. Mortality was reported as ASMR or percentages; risk factors as prevalence, except alcohol (litres per capita). Changes in mortality were calculated as absolute and relative differences, with tables and figures generated in Microsoft Excel. Between 2000–2019, NCD-related deaths and the percentage of deaths due to NCDs increased from 24.2 to 37.1% resulting in 12.9 and 53.3% absolute and relative increases. The ASMR decreased by 130.6 per 100,000 population resulting in an 18.2% relative decrease, during the same period; however, it remains consistently higher than the global average. In 2019, 64% of NCD deaths were among people 70 years or younger and the percentage of premature deaths from NCDs ranged from 36.5 to 72.1%. Despite the burden of NCDs, the availability of essential medicines and health services was sub-optimal in public health facilities. The prevalence of key risk factors such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, overweight, and alcohol consumption per capita varied by sex and across the region, with the prevalence of tobacco use and consumption of alcohol higher among men, while the prevalence of insufficient physical activity and overweight higher among women. Public health responses to NCDs remained sub-optimal due to limited national NCD targets, inadequate surveillance, risk factor reduction measures, and access to essential medicines. Though the NCD ASMR has decreased, there has been an increase in NCD-related deaths and the percentage of deaths due to NCDs over the last two decades in the WHO African Region. The mortality burden of NCDs and the prevalence of risk factors remains relatively high, while mounting a public health response for preventing and controlling these NCDs remains challenging. Accelerated action is essential to meet global and regional NCD reduction targets. Strengthening national NCD targets, improving surveillance, ensuring access to essential medicines, and scaling up risk factor reduction strategies are critical to reversing current trends and achieving the 2030 SDG NCD targets.

BackgroundBengaluru, a metropolis in Southern India, is one of the largest markets for cab aggregator companies. Drivers working for these companies play a vital role in urban transportation but unlike other drivers, their work pattern is stressful, which could increase their proneness to NCD risk factors. Understanding associations between work environment adversity and NCD risk factors among these drivers will help to plan specific health promotion and NCD prevention programs including provision of basic occupational health services.ObjectivesThe study aims to test for an association between work environment adversity and selected Non-communicable Disease (NCD) risk factors among Application Cab Aggregator drivers in Bengaluru city and to estimate the prevalence of selected NCD risk factors among the ABCA drivers.MethodologyThis cross-sectional study was conducted in Bengaluru city among 340 eligible and consenting ABCA drivers with at least one-year experience. Drivers were recruited through a multi-stage sampling procedure and time-period sampling, from transportation and leisure zones in the city. Data was collected through interviews using specifically developed semi-structured tools to assess work environment adversity and NCD risk factors. Prevalence of NCD risk factors is presented per 100 drivers with 95% confidence intervals. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to quantify the strength of the association between work environment adversity categories and NCD risk factors. Ethical clearance was obtained from the NIMHANS Ethics Committee.ResultsNearly 97% of the 340 drivers reported having one or more NCD risk factors. Working more than 5 days a week, more than 7 + hours a day, staying away from family, and working night shifts were closely associated with higher risk for NCD risk factors among ABCA drivers. Drivers with work environment adversity scores between 5 and 10 were associated with higher odds of Physical Inactivity (OR = 3.1), Unhealthy diets (OR = 1.62), and Tobacco Use (OR = 3.06).ConclusionThe study highlights the association between work environment adversity and NCD risk factors and indicates a dire need for NCD prevention programs, basic occupational health services, and social security provisions for ABCA cab drivers.