Prevalence of Risk Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases in Working Population

Abstract

Objectives: Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death globally, killing more people each year than all other causes combined. NCDs are caused to a large extent by four behavioral risk factors that are pervasive aspects of economic transition, rapid urbanization, and 21 st century lifestyles: Tobacco use, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity, and the harmful use of alcohol. The aim was to find out the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs in working population. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted in working population aged 18 years and above in 10 public institutions. World Health Organization STEPS approach was used to find the prevalence of risk factors. The study sample was randomly selected by using random number generator. Results: A total of 350 participants were included in the study. The overall prevalence of tobacco use was 23.4%. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 36%. Thirty three percent of the participants was consuming more than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Physical inactivity was seen in 51%. 33.1% of the participants were overweight, 6% were obese and 32.6%, 5.8% were hypertensive and diabetic, respectively. Conclusions: This study shows the high burden of risk factors for NCDs in the working population. Action should be oriented toward curbing the NCD risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce NCD incidence rates and delay the age of NCD onset.