Prevalence of major noncommunicable diseases and risk factors by region: Findings from the National Screening

BackgroundNon-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) are among India’s top burdens, particularly in states like Kerala, which is at an advanced stage of the epidemiological transition. Evidence in India points towards intersectional inequalities in risk factors of NCDs and testing, both of which are understudied in Kerala. We estimated the self-reported testing and prevalence of key NCD risk factors—blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose (BG) comparing Kerala men and women across educational, wealth, religion, as well as caste and tribal status subgroups.MethodA multistage random sample survey of 3398 women and 2982 men aged 30 years and over was administered in 4 districts of Kerala from July to October 2019. Descriptive analysis for men and women was undertaken using survey weights. Slope index of Inequality and Relative Concentration Index for wealth and education related inequalities, and, Weighted Mean Difference from Mean and Index of Disparity for caste and tribal status, as well as religion related inequalities were calculated using World Health Organisation’s Health Equity Assessment Toolkit Plus and Stata 12.ResultsA significantly higher proportion of women reported BP and BG testing by medical personnel in the previous year than men (BP Testing among Women (BPTw): 90.3% vs BP Testing among Men (BPTM):80.8%, BG Testing among Women (BGTw): 86.2% vs BG Testing among Women (BGTM):78.3%). Among those tested, more women (11.2%) than men (7.9%) reported High Blood Pressure (HBP) but not High Blood Glucose (HBG). Testing for BP was concentrated among less-educated women while BG testing was concentrated among both less educated women and men. HBP and HBG were concentrated among less educated and wealthier groups. Although sex differences were insignificant across caste and tribal status and religion subgroups, magnitude of inequalities was high for HBP and HBG.ConclusionDistinct patterns of sex inequalities were present in self-reported testing and prevalence of NCD risk factors in Kerala. Education and wealth seem to be associated with testing while prevalence appeared to vary by religious groups. Given the low rates of illiteracy, it is encouraging but maybe a data artefact that a small population of less-educated persons was getting tested; however, exclusion of poor groups and inequalities by other dimensions raise concerns. Further exploration is needed to understand underlying mechanisms of these inequalities to ensure we leave no one behind.

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.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain the biggest contributor to global mortality. An important way to control NCDs is to focus on reducing the prevalence of the common NCD risk factors for better NCD prevention planning. Uganda conducted its first nationally representative NCD risk factor survey in 2014, and a second in 2023. We analyzed the prevalence of the common NCD risk factors to assess changes in these between 2014 and 2023. Both surveys drew countrywide samples, and the World Health Organization's STEPS tool was used to collect the data. We calculated weighted prevalence of the following NCD risk factors: high blood pressure, high blood glucose, overweight and obesity, current alcohol consumption, current tobacco use, inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, inadequate physical activity, and sedentariness. The 2014 survey enrolled 3987 participants, whereas the 2023 survey enrolled 3694. The risk factor prevalences that increased significantly were: high blood glucose from 1.5% in 2014 to 3.3% in 2023 (p< 0.001); overweight and obesity from 19.3% in 2014 to 24.1% in 2023 (p< 0.001); current alcohol consumption from 28.5% in 2014 to 31.1% in 2023 (p=0.013); and sedentariness from 26.6% in 2014 to 31.9% in 2023 (p< 0.001). The risk factor prevalences that decreased significantly were: inadequate physical activity from 5.0% in 2014 to 3.6% in 2023 (p=0.003), and current smoke tobacco use from 9.6% in 2014, to 8.3% in 2023 (p= 0.046). No significant changes were observed in the prevalence of high blood pressure from 24.6% in 2014 to 25.4% in 2023 (p= 0.418), and inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables from 87.8% in 2014 to 86.4% in 2023 (p=0.067). There is an urgent need for various stakeholders in Uganda to implement interventions targeting reduction in the prevalence of NCD risk factors to prevent the increasing burden of NCDs and associated mortality.

BackgroundNoncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for nearly 75% of all deaths in Tamil Nadu. The government of Tamil Nadu has initiated several strategies to control NCDs under the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Reform Program (TNHSRP). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of NCD risk factors and determine the predictors of diabetes and hypertension, which will be helpful for planning and serve as a baseline for evaluating the impact of interventions.MethodsA state-wide representative cross-sectional study was conducted among 18-69-year-old adults in Tamil Nadu in 2020. The study used a multi-stage sampling method to select the calculated sample size of 5780. We adapted the study tools based on WHO’s STEPS surveillance methodology. We collected information about sociodemographic factors, NCD risk factors and measured blood pressure and fasting capillary blood glucose. The predictors of diabetes and hypertension were calculated using generalised linear models with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsDue to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, we could cover 68% (n = 3800) of the intended sample size. Among the eligible individuals surveyed (n = 4128), we had a response rate of 92%. The mean age of the study participants was 42.8 years, and 51% were women. Current tobacco use was prevalent in 40% (95% CI: 33.7–40.0) of men and 7.9% (95% CI: 6.4–9.8) of women. Current consumption of alcohol was prevalent among 39.1% (95% CI: 36.4–42.0) of men. Nearly 28.5% (95% CI: 26.7–30.4) of the study participants were overweight, and 11.4% (95% CI: 10.1–12.7) were obese. The prevalence of hypertension was 33.9% (95% CI: 32.0–35.8), and that of diabetes was 17.6% (95% CI: 16.1–19.2). Older age, men, and obesity were independently associated with diabetes and hypertension.ConclusionThe burden of NCD risk factors like tobacco use, and alcohol use were high among men in the state of Tamil Nadu. The prevalence of other risk factors like physical inactivity, raised blood pressure and raised blood glucose were also high in the state. The state should further emphasise measures that reduce the burden of NCD risk factors. Policy-based and health system-based interventions to control NCDs must be a high priority for the state.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for nearly 75% of all deaths in Tamil Nadu. The government of Tamil Nadu has initiated several strategies to control NCDs under the Tamil Nadu Health Systems Reform Program (TNHSRP). We aimed to estimate the prevalence of NCD risk factors and determine the predictors of diabetes and hypertension, which will be helpful for planning and serve as a baseline for evaluating the impact of interventions. A state-wide representative cross-sectional study was conducted among 18-69-year-old adults in Tamil Nadu in 2020. The study used a multi-stage sampling method to select the calculated sample size of 5780. We adapted the study tools based on WHO's STEPS surveillance methodology. We collected information about sociodemographic factors, NCD risk factors and measured blood pressure and fasting capillary blood glucose. The predictors of diabetes and hypertension were calculated using generalised linear models with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, we could cover 68% (n = 3800) of the intended sample size. Among the eligible individuals surveyed (n = 4128), we had a response rate of 92%. The mean age of the study participants was 42.8 years, and 51% were women. Current tobacco use was prevalent in 40% (95% CI: 33.7-40.0) of men and 7.9% (95% CI: 6.4-9.8) of women. Current consumption of alcohol was prevalent among 39.1% (95% CI: 36.4-42.0) of men. Nearly 28.5% (95% CI: 26.7-30.4) of the study participants were overweight, and 11.4% (95% CI: 10.1-12.7) were obese. The prevalence of hypertension was 33.9% (95% CI: 32.0-35.8), and that of diabetes was 17.6% (95% CI: 16.1-19.2). Older age, men, and obesity were independently associated with diabetes and hypertension. The burden of NCD risk factors like tobacco use, and alcohol use were high among men in the state of Tamil Nadu. The prevalence of other risk factors like physical inactivity, raised blood pressure and raised blood glucose were also high in the state. The state should further emphasise measures that reduce the burden of NCD risk factors. Policy-based and health system-based interventions to control NCDs must be a high priority for the state.

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of global mortality, with high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. In Nepal, adolescents face rising NCD risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and poor diet. Objective To assess the prevalence of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases and their association with socio-demographic characteristics among school-going adolescents of a municipality of Lalitpur District, Nepal. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases among school adolescents in a municipality, Lalitpur District. We used stratified random sampling to select 316 students from grades 11 and 12. We used Global school-based student health survey (GSHS) tools to collect data. We estimated prevalence of NCD risk factors among school adolescents. Binary logistic regression was applied to determine the factors associated with prevalence of NCDs risk factors. Results The prevalence of behavioural risk factors related to major non-communicable diseases including unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco consumption are 99.4%, 94.3%, 7.9% and 6.6% respectively. The prevalence of at least two risk factors is 94.9%. The female school going adolescents were more likely to have prevalence of NCD risk factors (AOR: 6.12; 95% CI: 1.64, 22.80). Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among school adolescents, including unhealthy diets and insufficient physical activity. Majority of the participants had at least two NCD risk factors, which tends to persist into adulthood. To address this, the study recommends holistic, evidence-based interventions targeting these risk factors. Schools and local authorities should implement health education regarding healthy diet and physical activity, promotion of extracurricular activities, and nutritional programs in schools, and enforcement of laws against selling alcohol and tobacco to adolescents.

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of global mortality, with high prevalence in low- and middle-income countries. In Nepal, adolescents face rising NCD risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use, and poor diet. Objective To assess the prevalence of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases and their association with socio-demographic characteristics among school-going adolescents of a municipality of Lalitpur District, Nepal. Methods This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed the behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases among school adolescents in a municipality, Lalitpur District. We used stratified random sampling to select 316 students from grades 11 and 12. We used Global school-based student health survey (GSHS) tools to collect data. We estimated prevalence of NCD risk factors among school adolescents. Binary logistic regression was applied to determine the factors associated with prevalence of NCDs risk factors. Results The prevalence of behavioural risk factors related to major non-communicable diseases including unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, alcohol consumption, and tobacco consumption are 99.4%, 94.3%, 7.9% and 6.6% respectively. The prevalence of at least two risk factors is 94.9%. The female school going adolescents were more likely to have prevalence of NCD risk factors (AOR: 6.12; 95% CI: 1.64, 22.80). Conclusion This study revealed a high prevalence of behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among school adolescents, including unhealthy diets and insufficient physical activity. Majority of the participants had at least two NCD risk factors, which tends to persist into adulthood. To address this, the study recommends holistic, evidence-based interventions targeting these risk factors. Schools and local authorities should implement health education regarding healthy diet and physical activity, promotion of extracurricular activities, and nutritional programs in schools, and enforcement of laws against selling alcohol and tobacco to adolescents.

Introduction: The prevalence of Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has increased so it’s becoming a global public health problem. This problem is also threatening in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) country including Ivory Coast. Ivory Coast is a country of 22.6 million people experiencing rapid economic development and social change. All development is typically associated with an increase in non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of the major risk factors of NCDs among the population of Cocody, Abobo and Yocoboué in the Ivory Coast. Methods: A descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study was conducted and involved 1146 adults of 19 to 60 years from general population in Cocody (urban), Abob (peri-urban) and Yocoboué (rural). The WHO STEPS risk factor survey has been changed a bit and was administered. it contains anthropometric and biochemical measures. Results: The prevalence of NCD risk factors was markedly different across the three sites particularly between urban (Cocody) and rural (Yocoboué) areas. The overall prevalence estimates of the risk factors were 15.2% for current smoking, 57.71% for harmful use of alcohol, 58.84% for low physical activity, 24.71% for sedentariness (sitting at least 7 h), 69.45% for skipping breakfast, 61% for having late dinner and 36% for snacking. Concerning biological risk factor we noticed 40.95% for Overweight/obesity, 52.96% for abdominal obesity, 14.61% for raised blood pressure, 23.37% for raised blood sugar and 18.51 low HDL-C. Being female has an important associated with an increased risk for having abdominal obesity (OR: 25.7) and being overweight or obese (OR: 11.3), suffering from hypertension increased with age, 30 - 39 years (OR 8.45), 40 - 49 years (OR 13.4) and 50 years and above (OR 24.6). Conclusion: Adult residents in the two (Urban and peri-urban) of three different areas are developing high-risk NCDs, particularly Cocody’s population. At the end, we observed among participants that the female gender, living in urban areas and clustering are the most concerned by non-communicable disease risk factors. To reach the goal, preventive and therapeutic interventions are needed among the targeted population.

ObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors among nurses and para-health professionals (PHPs) working at primary healthcare centres in Bangladesh. In addition to this, we also investigated...

An increasing prevalence of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in countries like India could pose a threat to the health and field capacities of forest staff. However, there is a lack of data globally about their NCD risks. Using data from preventive health checks conducted for forest staff at Sahyadri Tiger Reserve, in Maharashtra, Central India, this study assessed the feasibility of screening for NCD risk factors such as elevated glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), abnormal lipid levels, use of tobacco and alcohol, high body mass index, high waist circumference, and elevated blood pressure. Follow-up surveys were conducted six months after preventive health interventions to collect details of health service utilization as well as feedback for the preventive health interventions. While reporting a high prevalence of NCD risk factors among forest staff – which could predispose them to cardiovascular disease – this study demonstrates that implementing workplace-based NCD screening interventions is feasible, effective, acceptable, and beneficial to forest staff. Key policy insights Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and associated risk factors may play an important role in the sustainability of conservation efforts. NCDs should be integrated as a key component of the One Health paradigm. Workplace-based interventions for prevention and screening of NCDs could provide a feasible and effective method to mitigate health inequalities faced by the conservation workforce. Collaborative efforts to address the health needs of conservation staff working in remote rural regions could help achieve mutually beneficial outcomes for human health and conservation.

In Ukraine, as in other countries, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remain the principal cause of morbidity, disability and premature mortality. The most effective way to reduce the NCD burden is to prevent NCD development, by addressing the behavioural risk factors underlying NCDs at the population and individual levels: smoking, alcohol use, excessive salt intake, low physical activity, overweight and obesity, and unhealthy diets. In Ukraine, a national survey of the prevalence of major NCD risk factors, aligned with the WHO-endorsed STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) methodology, was conducted for the first time in 2019. The survey results will allow an objective view of the current situation regarding the prevalence of NCD risk factors in the adult population of the country to be formed and will determine approaches to NCD prevention and control in Ukraine over the coming years.

BackgroundThe burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, but data available for intervention planning are inadequate. We determined the prevalence of selected NCDs and HIV infection, and NCD risk factors in northwestern Tanzania and southern Uganda.MethodsA population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted, enrolling households using multistage sampling with five strata per country (one municipality, two towns, two rural areas). Consenting adults (≥18 years) were interviewed using the WHO STEPS survey instrument, examined, and tested for HIV and diabetes mellitus (DM). Adjusting for survey design, we estimated population prevalences of hypertension, DM, obstructive pulmonary disease, cardiac failure, epilepsy and HIV, and investigated factors associated with hypertension using logistic regression.ResultsAcross strata, hypertension prevalence ranged from 16 % (95 % confidence interval (CI): 12 % to 22 %) to 17 % (CI: 14 % to 22 %) in Tanzania, and from 19 % (CI: 14 % to 26 %) to 26 % (CI: 23 % to 30 %) in Uganda. It was high in both urban and rural areas, affecting many young participants. The prevalence of DM (1 % to 4 %) and other NCDs was generally low. HIV prevalence ranged from 6 % to 10 % in Tanzania, and 6 % to 12 % in Uganda. Current smoking was reported by 12 % to 23 % of men in different strata, and 1 % to 3 % of women. Problem drinking (defined by Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test criteria) affected 6 % to 15 % men and 1 % to 6 % women. Up to 46 % of participants were overweight, affecting women more than men and urban more than rural areas. Most patients with hypertension and other NCDs were unaware of their condition, and hypertension in treated patients was mostly uncontrolled. Hypertension was associated with older age, male sex, being divorced/widowed, lower education, higher BMI and, inversely, with smoking.ConclusionsThe high prevalence of NCD risk factors and unrecognized and untreated hypertension represent major problems. The low prevalence of DM and other preventable NCDs provides an opportunity for prevention. HIV prevalence was in line with national data. In Tanzania, Uganda and probably elsewhere in Africa, major efforts are needed to strengthen health services for the PREVENTION, early detection and treatment of chronic diseases.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12916-015-0357-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background: Over the past two decades, Saudi Arabia has made significant improvements in its population's health standards. These improvements have been coupled with an increase in risk factors related to non-communicable diseases (NCD) and a dramatic shift in the burden of disease profile. This study aims to provide empirical evidence on the socio-economic and demographic correlates of NCD risk factors among adults in Saudi Arabia.Methods: The data used for this study is secondary data derived from the Saudi Health Interview Survey (SHIS) conducted in 2013. The SHIS used a cross-sectional survey design to derive a multistage representative sample of adults to estimate the prevalence of NCD risk factors. Risk factors considered for analyses in this study were; current tobacco use, low fruit and vegetable consumption, low physical activity, overweight/obesity and hypertension. The survey covered all regions in Saudi Arabia using probability proportional to size measures. A total of 10,735 adults aged 15 years and above completed the survey questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the socio-economic and demographic correlates of NCD risk factors among adults in Saudi Arabia.Results: The prevalence of NCD risk factors were as follows: current tobacco use, 12.1%; low fruit and vegetable consumption, 87%; low physical activity, 94.9%; overweight/obesity 65.1%; and hypertension, 37.5%. The multivariate analysis results indicate that significant correlates of overweight/obesity and hypertension were being female, a government employee, income level, and education levels. On the other hand, current tobacco use and low fruit and vegetable consumption were generally associated with age, self-employment and being a student. For lifestyle factors, overweight/obesity was high among individuals who reported low fruit and vegetable consumption, while hypertension was high among current tobacco users and overweight/obese adults. All comparisons were statistically significant at p < 0.05.Conclusions: This study's findings indicate a high prevalence of chronic NCD risk factors in Saudi Arabia's adult population. This study implied that there is a need for a reduction in life-damaging behaviors among the adults through the adoption of healthy lifestyles such as physical activity and nutritious diets. Moreover, a reduction in the prevalence of chronic NCD risk factors among different socio-economic groups in Saudi Arabia through healthy lifestyles will have far-reaching results.

Background:Indian tribes receive limited attention in provision of care toward non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As there has been an increasing prevalence of modifiable NCD risk factors among Indian tribes over the past three decades, the current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of NCD risk factors among the tribal population in Puducherry.Methods:We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey to assess NCD risk factors in the period January–December of 2018. We purposively selected the survey location and adopted a systematic random sampling technique using alternative households to enroll tribal participants; children less than 5 years were excluded from the study. Data collection was carried out by trained research associates regarding sociodemographic parameters, health status, and disease profile.Results:The median age of participants was 28 (17–42) years, with the majority being females (58.8%). The prevalence of current tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and hypertension were 22.6% (95% CI: 19.2–26.3), 18.7% (95% CI: 15.5–22.2), and 9.1% (95% CI: 6.9–11.8), respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 14.7% and 32.1%, respectively. The prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use was significantly higher among the elderly and males. The risk of having hypertension was twofold higher among the male tribes by PR: 2.10 (95% CI: 1.19–3.68) compared with female.Conclusion:The study concludes that there is a higher prevalence of behavioral and biological risk factors of NCDs among the tribal population in and around Puducherry.

We describe the prevalence of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) risk factors in a low-income health district in the South of Quito, Ecuador. We conducted a cross-sectional study between November 2020 and October 2021. We used multi-stage cluster sampling to select 656 of población total adult residents of 17D06 health district, enabling a prevalence estimation with at least ±5.73% absolute precision. We collected socio-demographic information and behavioural risk factors using the expanded WHO STEPwise approach to NCD surveillance. We measured height, weight, and blood pressure, and collected blood samples to assess glucose levels, lipid profiles, and renal function. We estimated the prevalence of behavioural and metabolic NCD risk factors by sex and age groups (18-44, 45-69, and >70). One-third of participants were obese (33.2% overall, 148 women, 38,7%, and 41 men, 22%), and more than half had a raised waist circumference (56.8%, N = 322). Hypertension affected 26.9% of participants (63 men, 33% and 90 women, 24%). Hyperglycaemia affected 7.9% (N = 45) of participants and increased with age and peaked at 22% among women over 70. More than half of the participants presented hypercholesterolemia (317 individuals, 56.2%). Low consumption of fruit and vegetables, high salt consumption and high sugar consumption were common in all population groups (88.4%, N = 580, 33.2%. N = 218 and 72.4%, N = 475, respectively). The critical prevalence of NCD risk factors in this low-income urban district of Quito, alongside similar trends observed in other settings across Latin America, underscores the need for ecological public health strategies to create healthy environments and promote healthier behaviours. Gender-sensitive approaches may be useful to address differences between sexes.