Prevalence Of Risk Factors For Non-communicable Diseases Research Articles

Prevalence of Noncommunicable Disease (NCDs) risk factors in Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu STEPS Survey (TN STEPS), 2020.

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.

Prevalence of common risk factors of major noncommunicable diseases among sexual and gender minorities in Kathmandu valley, Nepal.

Four noncommunicable diseases (NCDs): cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes, account for 71% of global deaths. However, little is known about the NCDs risk profile of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs). This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NCDs risk factors among the SGMs of Kathmandu valley, Nepal. A cross-sectional study was conducted among SGMs in the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. We recruited 140 participants using the snowball sampling method. A face-to-face interview was done using a structured questionnaire adapted from World Health Organization Step Wise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS instruments V2.2 2019) along with blood pressure and anthropometric measurements. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS.v20). More than two-thirds of the participants, 96 (68.6%), had co-occurrence of NCDs risk factors. The prevalence of insufficient fruits and vegetables consumption, current smoking, harmful alcohol consumption, overweight/obesity, and hypertension were 95.7%, 40.0%, 32.9%, 28.5%, and 28.6%, respectively. There was a significant association between hypertension, harmful alcohol consumption, and overweight/obesity with the participants' age, employment status, and marital status, respectively. Study findings indicated a higher prevalence of NCDs risk factors among SGMs. National-level NCDs surveillance, policy planning, prevention, and targeted health interventions should prioritize the SGMs.

Social inequality in prevalence of NCD risk factors: a cross-sectional analysis from the population-based Tromsø Study 2015–2016

ObjectiveWe aimed to examine associations between educational level, serving as an indicator of socioeconomic position, and prevalence of WHO-established leading behavioural and biological risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in...

Regional advocacy workshop on noncommunicable disease priorities among children and adolescents in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Background: There has been a surge of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) globally, and particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Data indicate a notable prevalence of NCD risk factors among children and adolescents, including physical inactivity, tobacco use, as well as high salt, sugar and fat intake, highlighting the need for urgent actions. Aim: To present key recommendations and follow-up actions from a workshop on noncommunicable diseases among children and adolescents in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Method: In March 2023, the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean held a workshop in Oman which discussed the challenges, early interventions, policy changes, and prioritization of NCDs prevention for children and adolescents in the region. Results: Participants, including a considerable representation of the youth group, shared experiences on risk factors, prevention, treatment, and suitable platforms for NCD care among children and adolescents, and the importance of systematic monitoring and evaluation. Following the workshop, the youth were engaged in the development of a regionspecific NCDs intervention roadmap. Conclusion: Further youth engagement, multisectoral collaborations, and the establishment of dedicated national authorities to oversee proposed interventions are needed to reduce premature deaths due to NCDs by one-third by 2030, as indicated in the Sustainable Development Goals target 3.4.

The prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases among patients attending outpatient department of tertiary care centre, Bengaluru: A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Worldwide, 74% of all deaths, or 41 million/year, are caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In India, 65% of fatalities are caused by NCDs. NCDs are caused by risk factors connected to lifestyle, such as bad eating habits, inactivity and problematic alcohol and cigarette use. In light of this, the present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NCD risk factors among patients utilising a Bengaluru tertiary care facility. Materials and Methods: Patients at a tertiary care centre in Bengaluru made up the 480 participants in this cross-sectional study. After receiving consent, a semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. SPSS software version 25 was used to evaluate the data once it had been entered into Microsoft Excel. As a test of significance, the Chi-square test was applied. Results: Participants in the study had an average age of 43.6 ± 14.6 years. The prevalence of a sedentary lifestyle was 90.6%, followed by physical inactivity at 68.3%, and obesity at 11.5%. Risk factors such as physical inactivity, waist-hip ratio and obesity were significantly associated with the age group. Conclusion: By implementing lifestyle changes and undertaking community-based health education programs, it should be possible to counteract the rise in the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable illnesses.

Prevalence of major noncommunicable diseases and their associated risk factors in Afghanistan

Abstract 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.

Effects of age on non-communicable disease risk factors among Nepalese adults.

The growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and an increase in the prevalence of the underlying risk factors are creating a challenge to health systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In Nepal, deaths attributable to NCDs have been increasing, as has life expectancy. This poses questions with regards to how age and various risk factors interact in affecting NCDs. We analyzed the effects of age on NCD risk factors, using data from the Nepalese STEPs survey 2019, a nationally representative cross-sectional study. Six sociodemographic determinants, four behavioral risk factors, and four biological risk factors were examined. Age effects were analyzed among three age groups: below 35 years (young), 35-59 years (middle aged) and 60 years and above (elderly). The prevalence of selected behavioral risk factors for NCDs, notably smoking, alcohol consumption and insufficient physical activity, and some biological risk factors (hypertension, hyperlipidemia) increases with age. The prevalence of most behavioral risk factors was highest among men and women aged 60 years and above. The prevalence of hypertension and hyperlipidemia was highest among the elderly, but the prevalence of diabetes and overweight/obesity was highest among the middle aged for both sexes. Age interactions in the association between behaviors and biological risk factors were surprisingly weak. However, age interactions were significant in the association between alcohol consumption and -hypertension, -overweight/obesity and -hyperlipidemia among women. While the prevalence of NCD risk factors tends to be higher among elders, the interaction between age and risk factors is complex. Most NCD risk factors are related to behaviors, which originate in young adulthood. It is necessary to diagnose and treat biological risk factors, in younger age groups before they manifest as NCDs. Similarly, behavior change interventions need to target these younger age groups to reduce the risk of NCDs later in life.

Assessment of risk factor profile of the non-communicable diseases among bank employees in the Gadag district

Background: Non-communicable disease (NCD) burden is rapidly overtaking communicable disease burden in India, including TB, HIV, water-borne or vector-borne diseases. Bank employees' jobs are physically sedentary and also involve a lot of mental stress. So that the current study was carried out to determine the prevalence of NCD risk factors among Gadag district bank employees. Methods: A cross sectional study was carried in the Bank employees of Gadag district from both private and Govt. bank, during the period of October 2022 to February 2023, for which ethical clearance was taken from the institutional ethical committee. We have included total study subject 100, subjects was selected by using convenient sampling technique and The study subjects included in the study are who willing to participate and given consent for the study. Results: In our study it was observed that the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and other cardiac problems were 21%, 12% and 2% respectively and the prevalence of obesity (BMI) (35%), High waist - hip ratio (24% in females and 47% in males), mixed diet (83%) preferably red meat (47%), tobacco use (24%), alcohol consumption (34%) and physical inactivity (61%). There is significant association between NCD in the study participants and the risk factors like long daily working hours, increased waist - hip ratio, high BMI, alcohol consumption, physical activity (MET) and mixed diet. Conclusions: There is a high burden of major risk factors for non-communicable diseases among Bank employee. We recommend routine screening for NCD among bank employees and include appropriate preventive interventions like health education on life-style modification.

Assessment of non-communicable disease risk factors among Andhra Pradesh state road transport corporation bus drivers of Vijayawada

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are lifestyle disorders, which contribute to 41 million total deaths globally. In India, it contributes to around 6 million (60%) of all deaths in 2021. The main objective of the study was to assess the socio-demographic factors, prevalence, and association between demographic profile and major NCD risk factors among Andhra Pradesh state road transport corporation bus drivers of Vijayawada. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted from July to October 22 among APSRTC bus drivers aged above 20 years in Vijayawada. Data was collected by using a pre-designed modified world health organization questionnaire. Results: The results(n=120) from the current study showed that the majority of the driver’s mean age was 46.4±10.9, 37.5% had hypertension, 24.2% had diabetes, 54.2% had insufficient sleep, and 79.2% had work-related stress. Conclusions: Occupational groups like bus drivers have more prevalence of NCD risk factors and which creates a burden on the healthcare system. A vigorous effort is needed to develop strategies for preventing and managing NCDs.

Combating Non- Communicable Disease Among HCW: The Broken Soldiers

Non communicable disease (NCD) has recently emerged as a major public-health concern, with prevalence rising over the world. As a submerged portion of the iceberg, the hidden burden of NCD is escalating and devouring the world. NCD affects HCW in the same way it affects other types of workers. Healthcare worker (HCW) should serve as role models in the community, raising NCD prevention knowledge and encouraging patients to adopt a healthier lifestyle. The Objective to the study to access the prevalence of non-communicable disease among healthcare workers. A cross sectional study was conducted in Johor state public health division with secondary data source from health screening of HCW from 2021. A total of 123 subjects participated in the study. Based on BMI calculation 26% were categorized normal, 42% were overweight and 30% were obese. Correlation and univariate analysis were conducted on BMI and blood screening. The results show a significant relationship between BMI towards Total Cholesterol and Fasting blood sugar level among HCW (P value <0.01). The high prevalence of NCD risk factors and their significant association necessitate an appropriate risk-reduction strategy to reduce the possibility of chronic illness among them.

Profile of non-communicable Disease Risk Factors Among Nurses in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

The work nature of nurses and the associated lifestyle changes put them at high risk of developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of NCD risk factors among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in Puducherry and to determine the associated factors among nurses. We conducted a cross-sectional study among all nurses (N=1217) in the tertiary care hospital aged between 21 and 60 from May 2019 to April 2020. We assessed NCDs behavioral, physical and biochemical risk factors using a self-administered questionnaire. The adjusted prevalence ratio was calculated using a generalized linear regression model to determine factors associated with NCD risk factors. The response rate was 99% (1217/1229), and 77.5 % of the participants were women. Current tobacco use, and alcohol consumption were 1.5% (95% CI: 0.8-2.2) and 2.9% (95% CI: 2-3.9) respectively with significantly higher prevalence among men. Overweight or Obesity (BMI >23 kg/m2) was 77.7%, with a significantly higher prevalence among those aged ≥30 and married. Prevalence of hypertension was 14.4 % (95% CI: 12.5-16.4), and diabetes mellitus was 11.5 % (95% CI: 9.7-13.6) were significantly higher among those aged ≥50 years. One-third of nurses, 34.3% (95% CI: 31.6-37.1), had hypercholesterolemia, significantly higher among men. We found a high prevalence of various NCD risk factors among the nurses. We highlight the urgent need for initiating health promotion interventions, especially to improve intake of healthy diet and physical activity among nurses aged ≥30 years.

The Magnitude of NCD Risk Factors in Ethiopia: Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Evidence.

Background: Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors are the leading contributors to morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries including Ethiopia. To date, there has been no synthesis of the literature on the relative prevalence of NCD risk factors in Ethiopia. Methodology: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of primary studies reporting on the prevalence of NCD risk factors in Ethiopia published in English from 2012 to July 2020. Pre-tested NCD search terms were applied to Medline, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, and Global Health. Three reviewers screened and appraised the quality of the identified papers. Data extraction was conducted using a pilot tested proforma. Meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16 and pooled prevalence estimated with associated 95% confidence intervals. Clinically heterogeneous studies that did not fulfil the eligibility criteria for meta-analysis were narratively synthesised. I2 was used to assess statistical heterogeneity. Results: 47 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and contributed 68 NCD risk factor prevalence estimates. Hypertension was the most frequently examined NCD risk factor, with a pooled prevalence of 21% (n = 27 studies). The pooled prevalence percentages for overweight and obesity were 19.2% and 10.3%, respectively (n = 7 studies each), with a combined prevalence of 26.8% (n = 1 study). It was not possible to pool the prevalence of alcohol consumption, smoking, metabolic disorders, or fruit consumption because of heterogeneity across studies. The prevalence of alcohol use, as reported from the included individual studies, ranged from 12.4% to 13.5% (n = 7 studies). More than 90% of participants met the WHO-recommended level of physical activity (n = 5 studies). The prevalence of smoking was highly variable, ranging between 0.8% and 38.6%, as was the prevalence of heavy alcohol drinking (12.4% to 21.1%, n = 6 studies) and metabolic syndrome (4.8% to 9.6%, n = 5 studies). Fruit consumption ranged from 1.5% up to the recommended level, but varied across geographic areas (n = 3 studies). Conclusion and recommendations: The prevalence of NCD risk factors in Ethiopia is relatively high. National NCD risk factor surveillance is required to inform the prioritisation of policies and interventions to reduce the NCD burden in Ethiopia.

Intersecting sex-related inequalities in self-reported testing for and prevalence of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) risk factors in Kerala

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.

Noncommunicable disease risk factors among the trainee doctors of a tertiary level diabetes hospital in Bangladesh

AbstractBackgroundDoctors, despite being the public health leaders, are predisposed to the early development of chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This study was done to determine the prevalence of risk factors of NCDs among doctors.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among the doctors of a course under the Distance Learning Program at BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka. It was done from March 2015 to February 2016. Data were collected using a self‐administered questionnaire, and physical and biochemical measurements. However, the measured variables were collected by the investigators. WHO STEPS questionnaire V 3.1, with adaptation to the local context, was used.ResultsA total of 404 (223 men and 181 women) of 451 registered doctors participated (89.6%) in the study. The prevalence of smoking was 18.8% among men, and there was no woman smoker. Among the respondents, 17% of men and 0.6% of women drank alcohol at least once in their lifetime. Low physical activity (<600 MET‐min/week) was reported by 44.4% of men and 34.3% of women. Less than a quarter of them (22.3%) consumed five or more servings of fruit and vegetables. Almost 13% had high blood pressure, and 44.8% were overweight or obese. A total of 3.2% were diabetic, and 5.9% had hypercholesterolemia.ConclusionHigh prevalence of NCD risk factors among the doctors in this study highlights the need to create awareness among them.

Socio-Economic and Demographic Correlates of Non-communicable Disease Risk Factors Among Adults in Saudi Arabia.

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.

Prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among nurses and para-health professionals working at primary healthcare level of Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study

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...

A systematic review on noncommunicable diseases among working women.

The increasing involvement of women in the paid-labor market has led to multifactorial exposure towards the development of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This review aims to identify the prevalence of NCDs and the associated risk factors among working women. A systematic review was performed using PubMed and Scopus databases. Twelve articles published between 2015 and 2019 satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were selected for qualitative synthesis. Among working women, the prevalence of NCDs was as follows: coronary heart disease, 0.3%–5.9%; metabolic syndrome, 52.0%; diabetes mellitus, 8.9%–16.0%; hypertension, 16.6%–66.4%; non-skin cancer, 3.7%. The prevalence of NCD risk factors was as follows: overweight/obesity, 33.8%–77.0%; low physical activity, 51.0%; unhealthy diet, 44.9%–69.9%; dyslipidemia, 27.8%–44.0%. The factors associated with NCDs were long working hours, double work burden, and stress. NCD is an important burden of working women that will lead to reduced work quality and affect family well-being. Disease prevention approaches, such as the intervention of common workplace risk factors and specific work schedule design, are among the strategies for improving the situation.

Associated Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Disease in Three Sites across Ivory Coast: An Urban (Cocody), Peri-Urban (Abobo) and Rural (Yocobou&amp;#233;) Area

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.

The profile of Rafsanjan Cohort Study.

Owning the largest human-made jungle of pistachio, the second largest copper mine, and being located on the trade route of opium transit, distinguish Rafsanjan from many other cities in Iran. The environmental exposures and lifestyle factors associated with these characteristics of Rafsanjan, have raised concern about possible health outcomes for individuals living in and around this city. Thus, local health authorities initiated the Rafsanjan Cohort Study (RCS), as part of the prospective epidemiological research studies in IrAN (PERSIAN). RCS is a population-based prospective cohort of men and women aged 35-70years, launched in August 2015. Individuals from diverse socioeconomic levels and lifestyles were recruited from four urban and suburban areas of Rafsanjan (participation rate 67.42%). Questionnaire-based interviews regarding demographics, dietary and environmental exposures, medical and occupational history, as well as anthropometric measurements were completed for all participants. Additionally, bio-specimens (blood, urine, hair, and nail) were collected, and dental and eye examinations were performed. The enrollment phase ended in December 2017, and a 15-year follow-up is planned. A total of 9990 individuals were enrolled in RCS (53.41% females). About 26% of men are pistachio farmers. The baseline prevalence of major non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors such as cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and opium use were 25.45%, 10.02%, and 23.81%, respectively. The mean ± SD of other common risk factors are as follows: body mass index (27.83 ± 4.89mm Hg), systolic blood pressure (107.18 ± 17.56mm Hg) diastolic blood pressure (71.13 ± 10.83), fasting blood sugar (113.27 ± 39.11mg/dL) and plasma cholesterol (198.78 ± 41.89mg/dL). These results indicate a concerning prevalence of NCD risk factors in Rafsanjan city, warranting further detailed investigations, particularly regarding the association of NDC with agricultural/industrial pollutants and drug abuse.

The feasibility of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk-factor estimation among forest staff at Sahyadri Tiger Reserve in Central India

ABSTRACT 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.