Prevention Of Non-communicable Diseases Research Articles

Unravelling the determinants of human health in French Polynesia: the MATAEA project.

French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity in the Southeast Pacific, comprising 75 inhabited islands across five archipelagoes. The human settlement of the region corresponds to the last massive migration of humans to empty territories, but its timeline is still debated. Despite their recent population history and geographical isolation, inhabitants of French Polynesia experience health issues similar to those of continental countries. Modern lifestyles and increased longevity have led to a rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Likewise, international trade and people mobility have caused the emergence of communicable diseases (CDs) including mosquito-borne and respiratory diseases. Additionally, chronic pathologies including acute rheumatic fever, liver diseases, and ciguatera, are highly prevalent in French Polynesia. However, data on such diseases are scarce and not representative of the geographic fragmentation of the population. The present project aims to estimate the prevalence of several NCDs and CDs in the population of the five archipelagoes, and identify associated risk factors. Moreover, genetic analyses will contribute to determine the sequence and timings of the peopling history of French Polynesia, and identify causal links between past genetic adaptation to island environments, and present-day susceptibility to certain diseases. This cross-sectional survey is based on the random selection of 2,100 adults aged 18-69 years and residing on 18 islands from the five archipelagoes. Each participant answered a questionnaire on a wide range of topics (including demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits and medical history), underwent physical measurements (height, weight, waist circumference, arterial pressure, and skin pigmentation), and provided biological samples (blood, saliva, and stool) for biological, genetic and microbiological analyses. For the first time in French Polynesia, the present project allows to collect a wide range of data to explore the existence of indicators and/or risk factors for multiple pathologies of public health concern. The results will help health authorities to adapt actions and preventive measures aimed at reducing the incidence of NCDs and CDs. Moreover, the new genomic data generated in this study, combined with anthropological data, will increase our understanding of the peopling history of French Polynesia. https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT06133400.

Development of the Food Boost Challenge: A Participatory Action Research Approach to Enhance Vegetable and Fruit Consumption among Adolescents

Prevention of non-communicable diseases through, among other factors, increasing vegetables and fruit (V&F) intake is a cost-effective strategy for risk reduction but requires behavioral change. Such changes in adolescents benefit from their active involvement. The Food Boost Challenge (FBC) was developed using a participatory action research approach to enhance healthy eating behaviors, namely V&F products among adolescents. The FBC is an innovation process, involving adolescents, (peer) researchers, and food system partners, like non-governmental and commercial organizations. In 2021–2022, 34 partners provided both cash and in-kind contributions to join the FBC community. Phase 1 involved 200 students identifying barriers and drivers for consumption of F&V products among 1000 pre-vocational adolescents, aged 12–20 years. In phase 2, student teams submitted innovative ideas, resulting in 25 concepts fitting into ≥1 of 4 routes: (I) innovative technology for a healthy diet, (II) new food products/concepts for adolescents, (III) hotspots improving the F&V product experience, and (IV) new routes to market. In phase 3, consortia of adolescents, students, and partners were formed to develop 10 selected concepts into prototypes, and phase 4 offered teams a national platform. Results show that the FBC resonates with all stakeholders, generating valuable insights to increase F&V intake. Prototypes in all four routes have been developed. Additionally, other regions in the Netherlands have adopted the FBC approach. Overall, the FBC is an approach that transforms ideas into actionable measures and shows potential to be adapted to promote various healthy eating behaviors among school students.

Preventable incidence cases from non-communicable diseases attributable to insufficient physical activity in Chile

ObjectivesLack of sufficient physical activity (PA) has been associated with an increased risk of several non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and all-cause mortality. This study aimed to estimate the number of preventable incidence cases of NCDs attributable to insufficient PA in the Chilean population. Study designComparative risk assessment modelling study. MethodsThis study examined data from 5834 participants aged ≥20 years from the Chilean National Survey (2016–2017). PA was assessed by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ), and metabolic equivalent of tasks (METs) were assigned according to PA intensity. Estimated incidence cases of NCDs in Chile in 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease study. Relative risks for breast cancer, colon cancer, ischaemic heart disease, diabetes and stroke were obtained from a published meta-analysis and applied to the prevalence of insufficient PA estimates through the potential impact fraction equation. ResultsHigh levels of PA (≥8000 MET-min/week) could potentially avoid more than 22,000 (64.6 %) incidence NCD cases, ranging from 498 (10.1 %) preventable cases of breast cancer to 5629 (14.7 %) cases of diabetes. Other modelled scenarios also showed to reduce the incidence cases of all five NCDs but to a lesser extent; where at least PA recommendation was achieved, preventable NCDs were reduced by 6522 cases (18.7 %), and where a 10 % relative reduction in insufficient PA level in the population was achieved, preventable NCDs were reduced by 651 (1.8 %) cases. ConclusionsThe study results provide estimates for the incidence cases of preventable NCDs attributable to insufficient PA, highlighting the important role of PA in NCD prevention in Chile.

Female community health volunteers' experience in navigating social context while providing basic diabetes services in western Nepal: Social capital and beyond from systems thinking.

The global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has led to an increased mobilization of community health workers (CHWs) in the prevention and management of NCDs, particularly in resource-poor settings. However, little is known about the experiences of CHWs as they navigate the complex social context while proving home-based NCD management. This study aims to explore the experiences of female community health volunteers (FCHVs) in a community-based pilot project in western Nepal, specially regarding the social challenges they face while delivering basic type 2 diabetes (T2D) services. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study conducted two focus group discussions and nine in-depth interviews with a total of 14 and 9 FCHVs, respectively. Social Capital theory was employed to understand the sociological aspects. The findings shed light on the challenges encountered by FCHVs in expanding their social networks, building trust, and fostering reciprocity among T2D intervention recepients. Notably, social trust was a significant challenge, compounded by power dynamics related to gender and socioeconomic status. FCHVs managed to overcome these challenges through their perseverance, self-motivation, and leaveraging their strong bonding and linking social capital. The recognition they received from the community played a crucial role in sustaining their motivation. The study highlights the importance of FCHVs' strong social capital, supported by available resources and personal motivation, in overcoming social obstacles. It is imperative for community health interventions to anticipate challenges across various elements of social capital to ensure the long-term retention and motivation of CHWs. Establishing appropriate support systems that address personal motivating factors and the strengthen social capital is essential.

Personalized prevention: possibilities and limitations of polygenic risk assessment

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality worldwide, with a vast majority of them having a multifactorial etiology, including genetics. That is why implementation of polygenic risk scores (PRS) in clinical practice with the aim of development of individual strategies for NCDs prevention seems promising. In this review we will discuss development and possible implications of PRSs.

Exploring Behavioral Risk Factors for Non-communicable Diseases Among Undergraduate Medical Students in Western Gujarat: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The burden of morbidity and death caused by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease is a significant global health concern influenced by modifiable behavioral risk factors. In India, the burden of NCDs is particularly high, with medical college students being a vulnerable population. This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by investigating the prevalence and patterns of behavioral risk factors for NCDs among medical college students. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted on medical students in Gujarat. Risk factors for NCDs were assessed using various tools, including the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) for stress, the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) for physical activity, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for sleep quality, the body mass index (BMI) for obesity, and dietary factors. The chi-square test was employed as a statistical tool to determine the association between socio-demographic variables and various risk factors. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Among the 400 students surveyed, the prevalence of single behavioral NCD risk factors was as follows: 248 (62%) reported stress (GHQ-12), 215 (54%) experienced poor sleep quality (PSQI), 251 (63%) had low levels of physical activity (IPAQ), 339 (85%) had inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, 97 (24%) consumed extra salt during meals, 163 (41%) were overweight or obese, and 189 (47%) had three or more risk factors for NCDs. In bivariate logistic regression analysis, factors such as age, male gender, urban residence, hostel stay, and lower socioeconomic status were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion This study reveals an alarming failure of medical colleges to positively influence students' health behaviors, despite their medical knowledge. The high rates of inactivity, stress, poor diet, and obesity among students demonstrate the curriculum's inability to instill preventative lifestyle practices. This omission in training compromises students' own health and their ability to counsel patients on NCD prevention. Urgent reform is needed to integrate health promotion into the curriculum, providing a supportive campus culture focused on wellness. By overlooking students' behaviors, medical colleges gravely disserve these future providers. This evidence compels curriculum reform to develop exemplary physician role models for NCD prevention.

Trends of Antihypertensive, Antidiabetic, and Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Use among the Health Workers Cohort Study, Mexico 2004 to 2018.

Hypertension and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are the most prevalent noncommunicable diseases in Mexico and worldwide. According to international practice management guidelines, the principal chronic management therapy is daily oral medication. We aim to describe the trends of antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs use among the Mexican adult population from 2004-2018. We analyzed data from the Health Workers Cohort Study (HWCS) for males and females aged >18 years. We calculated the prevalence of chronic diseases and utilization for every kind of antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and NSAIDs (measured by self-reported utilization) at baseline and two follow-ups (2004, 2010, and 2017). Trends were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. Hypertension prevalence increased from 19.8 to 30.3%, higher than T2D prevalence from 7.0 to 12.8% through fourteen years of follow-up. Like the self-reported dual therapy, the proportion of patients using beta-blockers and angiotensin II receptor blockers increased. Regarding T2D, the prevalence of metformin utilization increased to 83.9%. The utilization of common NSAIDs, mainly for muscular pain, remained around 13 to 16%. Our findings showed a changing prevalence of drug utilization for hypertension and T2D between 2004 and 2018 and consistent use of NSAIDs in the adult Mexican population.

Adherence to the EAT-Lancet reference diet is associated with a reduced risk of incident cancer and all-cause mortality in UK adults

Food systems have been identified as significant contributors to the global environmental emergency. However, there is no universally agreed-upon definition of what constitutes a planetary healthy, sustainable diet. In our study, we investigated the association between the EAT-Lancet reference diet, a diet within the planetary boundaries, and incident cancer, incident major cardiovascular events, and all-cause mortality. Higher adherence to the EAT-Lancet reference diet was associated with lower incident cancer risk (hazard ratio [HR]continuous: 0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98-0.99]) and lower all-cause mortality (HR continuous: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.98-0.99), while mostly null associations were detected for major cardiovascular event risk (HR continuous: 1.00; 95% CI: 0.98-1.01). Stratified analyses using potentially modifiable risk factors led to similar results. Our findings, in conjunction with the existing literature, support that adoption of the EAT-Lancet reference diet could have a benefit for the prevention of non-communicable diseases.

Socio-demographic variation in adherence to the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Cancer Prevention Recommendations within the UK Biobank prospective cohort study.

The 2018 (WCRF)/American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) Cancer Prevention Recommendations are evidence-based lifestyle recommendations which aim to reduce the risk of cancer worldwide. Sociodemographic factors modulate lifestyle behaviours, and both cancer incidence and survival are socio-economically patterned. We investigated adherence to these recommendations and examined patterns of adherence across sociodemographic subgroups in the UK Biobank cohort. We included 158 415 UK Biobank participants (mean age 56years, 53% female). Total adherence scores were derived from dietary, physical activity and anthropometric data using the 2018 WCRF/AICR standardized scoring system. One-Way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for differences in total scores and in values for individual score components according to sociodemographic factors and Pearson's Χ2 test to investigate associations between sociodemographic factors according to tertiles of adherence score. Mean total adherence score was 3.85 points (SD 1.05, range 0-7 points). Higher total scores were observed in females, and older (>57years), Chinese or South Asian, and more educated participants. We found significant variations in adherence to individual recommendations by sociodemographic factors including education, Townsend deprivation index and ethnicity. Identifying and understanding lifestyle and dietary patterns according to sociodemographic factors could help to guide public health strategies for the prevention of cancers and other non-communicable diseases.

Corrigendum: A scoping review of the evidence available for the use of salons as health promotion environments, for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases in women from different ethnic backgrounds

Corrigendum: A scoping review of the evidence available for the use of salons as health promotion environments, for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases in women from different ethnic backgrounds

Determination of the priority competencies of general practitioners (family doctors) in the Russian Federation: rationale and research protocol

The outcomes of competency-based medical education (CBME), is becoming increasingly important, especially for general practitioners (GPs). The research team of the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, with the support of the Russian Society for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases, initiated a study "Management of the quality of training of general practitioners (family doctors)", the aim of which is to determine the priority competencies of GPs (family doctors) of the Russian Federation. As the main research approach in the ascertaining experiment, the Delphi method is proposed to use. The respondents are GPs with experience in practical healthcare, general practice residents, teachers of departments of general practice.Conclusion. The planned research is of high significance for the theory and practice of professional education, in particular the training of GPs. Scientific rationale of GP qualification characteristics, which are the target component of the educational system for training GPs, will make it possible to determine the patterns of the educational process and the principles for selecting the content of educational programs, as well as methodological systems and conditions for training GPs. Ranking competencies according to their importance in professional activities by GPs (family doctors) of the Russian Federation will help determine key competencies and will make it possible to see the position of doctors in the priority of GP activities, which is directly related to assessing the healthcare quality

Scientific and pedagogical schools of therapy and preventive medicine

On October 5, 2023, on the initiative of the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine and with the support of the Russian Society for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases, the III International Research and Practice Forum "Scientific and Pedagogical Schools of Therapy and Preventive Medicine" was held. The Forum included two areas: symposiums dedicated to the best practices of higher education institutions; round tables dedicated to problems of education and practice integration. Scientific and pedagogical schools of the Far Eastern State Medical University, Siberian State Medical University, Samara State Medical University, Northern State Medical University, Smolensk State Medical University, S. I. Georgievsky Medical Institute of the V. I. Vernadsky Crimean Federal University were represented. Scientists and practicing doctors representing the following educational organizations took part in the discussion of integration of medical education and practical healthcare: Belgorod National Research University, Kemerovo State Medical University, Medical Institute of the Derzhavin Tambov State University, V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Academy of Postgraduate Education of the Federal Scientific and Clinical Center, Research Medical Center "Gerontology", Multifunctional Medical Center (Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan), Ulaanbaatar Songo Hospital (Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia), First Pavlov State Medical University of St. Petersburg, Yaroslavl State Medical University, Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd Regional Clinical Hospital № 3, National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine of the Russian Ministry of Health. The Forum showed that many medical higher educational institutions of the country have formed both independent scientific and pedagogical schools of fundamental biomedical sciences, therapy, preventive medicine, which have national and international recognition, and those that are intensively developing in accordance with Russian and international principles and demands of practical healthcare. The presence in medical education of authoritative scientific and pedagogical schools of therapy and preventive medicine is one of the indicators of the effectiveness of universities and academies in training internists and general practitioners.

Performance evaluation of national healthcare systems in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases in sub-Saharan Africa.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) remain a major public health concern globally, threatening the achievement of sustainable development goal 3.4 (SDG 3.4), which seeks to reduce premature NCD-related deaths by one-third by 2030. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), improving the efficiency of NCD spending (i.e., maximizing the impact of every dollar spent on NCDs) is one of the strategic approaches for achieving SDG target 3.4. This study aims to assess the efficiency and productivity of NCDs spending in 34 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries from 2015 to 2019. The study employed the data envelopment analysis (DEA) double-bootstrap truncated and Tobit regressions, one-stage stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) model, the Malmquist productivity index (MPI), and spatial autocorrelation analysis to estimate NCDs spending efficiency, identify the context-specific environmental factors that influence NCDs spending efficiency, evaluate total productivity change and identify its components, and assess the spatial interdependence of the efficiency scores. The estimated average DEA bias-corrected NCD spending efficiency score was 87.3% (95% CI: 86.2-88.5). Additionally, smoking per capita, solid fuel pollution, alcohol use, governance quality, urbanization, GDP per capita, external funding for NCDs, and private domestic funding for NCDs healthcare services were found to be significantly associated with NCDs spending efficiency. The study also revealed a decline of 3.2% in the MPI, driven by a 10.6% technical regress. Although all countries registered growth in efficiency, except for the Central Africa Republic and DR Congo, the growth in efficiency was overshadowed by the decline in technical change. Global Moran's I test indicated the existence of significant positive spatial autocorrelation in the efficiency of NCDs spending across SSA countries. The study underscores the importance of efficient use of resources in NCDs treatment and prevention and increased investment in NCDs research and development in achieving the SDG target 3.4.

The role of neighborhood inequalities on diabetes prevention care: a mini-review.

An emerging research niche has focused on the link between social determinants of health and diabetes mellitus, one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in modern society. The aim of the present mini-review is to explore and summarize current findings in this field targeting high-income countries. In the presence of disadvantaged neighborhood factors (including socioeconomic status, food environment, walkability and neighborhood aesthetics), diabetes prevention and care are affected at a multidimensional level. The vast majority of the included studies suggest that, besides individual risk factors, aggregated neighborhood inequalities should be tackled to implement effective evidence-based policies for diabetes mellitus.

Nutrition Transition in Iran: An Analytical Study of the Factors Related to Life-Style Regarding Non-Communicable Diseases in Recent Decades

Background: In the current scoping review, nutrition transition and its consequences in Iran have been reviewed, and relevant health improvement policies have been described. Methods: This was an analytical study which concerned demographic, economic and socio-political context, nutrition, dietary patterns and related metabolic syndrome, or their consequences among Iranian population in recent decades. Results: In the last decades, socio-economic problems increased food insecurity, and unhealthy diet has been common. The prevalence of obesity was higher in urban areas compared with rural areas. There was also a high prevalence of nutritional risk factors; food choices tended to be less healthy; high-fat food choices has been increased, and there was lower physical activity. The prevalence of non-communicable diseases and metabolic syndrome including hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus are progressively elevated. Conclusions: Urgent preventive strategies and policies by the government and healthcare community are essential. These strategies are necessary for promoting national health, increasing life expectancy, and decreasing metabolic syndrome, diet-related and lethal diseases including cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.

The Awareness of the Role of Commercial Determinants of Health and the Readiness to Accept Restrictions on Unhealthy Food Advertising in Polish Society.

The negative consequences of commercial determinants of health (CDoH) have become a major challenge for public health systems, especially in terms of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). CDoH are defined as profit-driven factors that influence health. In this study, we assessed the awareness of CDoH and the attitudes toward potential restrictions on advertising, as well as fiscal interventions targeting food products with harmful effects on health in Polish society. Our analysis is based on data from a computer-based web interviewing (CAWI) survey performed in May 2022 among 2008 adult internet users from Poland. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed for variables derived from three items exploring the respondents' understanding of the relationship between CDoH and NCDs, as well as three items asking about their acceptance of a prohibition of advertising unhealthy products during sports events, a general ban on unhealthy food advertising, and their attitudes toward sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). Food (FL) and e-health literacy (eHL) levels were consistently positive predictors of both awareness of CDoH and acceptance of the proposed actions. Both higher FL and eHL were significantly associated with the opinion that advertising unhealthy food is associated with the prevalence of NCDs (OR, 95% CI: 1.03, 1.02-1.05, and 1.04, 1.02-1.06, respectively). Health literacy was less frequently a significant predictor of the dependent variables. Among sociodemographic factors, a respondent's level of education and age showed a significant relationship with their awareness and acceptance of countermeasures against CDoH. Respondents with a university master's level of education were more likely to agree with the statement on the relationship between big industry profits and harm to society's health (OR, 95% CI: 1.96, 1.42-2.69) and to support a ban on advertising unhealthy food similar to that for tobacco products (OR, 95% CI: 1.66, 1.21-2.27). Respondents suffering from chronic diseases were also consistently more likely to show a greater understanding of the harmful impact of CDoH and support proposed restrictions. For example, they were more likely to agree with restrictions on advertising harmful products during sports events (OR, 95% CI: 1.23, 1.02-1.50) and the introduction of a sugar tax (OR, 95% CI: 1.26, 1.03-1.54). Our study revealed that more than 50% of the Polish population is conscious of the problem of the harmful effects of big industries producing and selling processed food, sugar-sweetened beverages, and alcoholic beverages. Interestingly, slightly more than half of the respondents supported the introduction of restrictions on advertising such products. Still, only approximately 30% of them accepted a sugar tax to counter the obesity epidemic. The results of our study indicate that Polish society is open to the introduction of regulations aimed at limiting the impact of commercial determinants of health. To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies to assess the awareness of CDoH and the acceptance of restrictions to limit their impact.

Association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with physical activity domains and types

Lockdown imposed in the early phase of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak represented a specific setting where activity was restricted but still possible. The aim was to investigate the cross-sectional associations between physical activity (PA) and SARS-CoV-2 infection in a French population-based cohort. Participants completed a PA questionnaire. PA was classified into: (i) total PA; (ii) aerobic PA by intensity; (iii) strengthening PA; (iv) PA by domain and type; and (vii) by location. Sedentary time was also recorded. Seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was assessed. Multivariable logistic regression models controlling for sociodemographic, lifestyle, anthropometric data, health status, and adherence to recommended protective anti-SARS-CoV-2 behaviours were computed. From 22,165 participants included, 21,074 (95.1%) and 1091 (4.9%) had a negative and positive ELISA-S test result, respectively. Total PA, vigorous PA, leisure-time PA, household PA, outdoor PA and indoor PA were all associated with lower probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Observations made in such a setting shed light on PA possibilities in a context of restricted mobility, where the health benefits of PA should not be overlooked. Along with already well-established benefits of PA for non-communicable disease prevention, these findings provide additional evidence for policies promoting all types of PA as a lever for population health.

Non-communicable diseases household survey data analysis in Sana’a City, Yemen, 2017

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) claim 41 million lives annually, accounting for 71% of global mortality. The Middle East sees a rapid increase in NCD cases, yet Yemen remains underexplored in this context. This study aims to investigate NCD epidemiology in Sana&amp;rsquo;a City, Yemen, for 2017. Raw data from a 2017 house-to-house survey conducted by the Ministry of Public Health and Population were analyzed. Household heads reported any of the following five NCDs in the household: hypertension (HTN), diabetes mellitus (DM), bronchial asthma (BA), mental disorders (MD), and epilepsy. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi info 7.2, using 2017 projections from the 2004 census. The study encompassed 241,310 households, housing 1,592,646 individuals. Among these, 59,061 households (24.48%) included 70,178 individuals with at least one NCD. The overall NCD prevalence was 4.4%, with specific prevalence: HTN 2.3%, DM 2.2%, BA 0.4%, MD 0.27, and epilepsy 0.19%. NCD prevalence was significantly higher among females than males (5.1% vs. 3.8%; odds ratio [OR] 1.35, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.33 &amp;ndash; 1.35), a trend mirrored in HTN (3.1% vs. 1.6%; OR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.90 &amp;ndash; 1.98), DM (2.3% vs. 2.1%; OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.09 &amp;ndash; 1.13), and BA (0.5% vs. 0.3%; OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.49 &amp;ndash; 1.65). Conversely, MD was more prevalent among males than females (0.35% vs. 0.16%; OR = 2.2, 95% CI: 2.06 &amp;ndash; 2.31). NCD prevalence increased with age, with nearly 18% of patients having more than one NCD, including 35.2% of HTN patients also having DM. One-quarter of surveyed households had at least one member with one or more of the five NCDs, emphasizing an overall NCD prevalence of 4.4%. These findings rely only on self-reported diagnosed cases, lacking standardized measures. In light of these findings, it is crucial to increase focus on NCDs, enhance health-care provision, improve data collection, implement an NCDs stepwise survey, and establish an NCD surveillance system.

Effect of &lt;i&gt;Abhaya Ghana Vati&lt;/i&gt; along with &lt;i&gt;Pathya Aaahara Vihara&lt;/i&gt; (Diet and Lifestyle Regime) on Patients of Diabesity – A Single Arm Clinical Trial

Introduction: Ayurveda beautifully amalgamates herbal drugs and lifestyle modifications in the management of various diseases and lifestyle disorders. Diabesity is one condition representing the two most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases, i.e., Diabetes and Obesity According to Ayurveda, both conditions are referred to as Prameha and Sthoulya, respectively. Both the conditions are Santarpanottha Vyadhi (diseases arising from excessive and improper nutrition), having the common vitiation of Kapha Dosha, Meda Dhatu and Ama and similar lines of treatment. Haritaki or Abhaya (Terminalia chebula) is a herb that has the potential to manage both diabetes and obesity. The present study focuses on the efficacy of Abhaya Ghana Vati as a single drug regime coupled with Pathya Aahara Vihara (diet and lifestyle regime) in the management of diabesity. Methods: Abhaya Ghana Vati along with Pathya Aahara Vihara (diet and lifestyle regime), was administered in 41 patients for three months, including follow-up. The patients were assessed for the effect of the intervention on the subjective and objective criteria. Results: The intervention showed significant improvement in most of the parameters of outcome measures like BMI (27% improvement, p&lt;0.001), Waist Hip Ratio (p&lt;0.002), Abdominal Girth Circumference (p&lt;0.001), Chest Girth circumference (p&lt;0.001), Waist circumference (p&lt;0.001). The Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) levels declined significantly from the mean (187.4 to 168.9, p&lt;0.048), and PPBS reduced from the mean (260 to 230.4, p&lt;0.011), which was statistically significant. However, HbA1c declined very marginally from the mean of 8.32 to 8.23 (p&lt;0.71). Effect of treatment on subjective parameters like Apatarpana Lakshana, Dhatusamya Lakshana and Quality of Life parameters showed significant change. Conclusions: Administration of Abhaya Ghana Vati and Pathya Aahara Vihara are beneficial in patients of diabesity.

Prevalence of non-communicable disease among displaced Rohingya in southern Bangladesh: a first look at a persecuted ethnic minority from Myanmar.

In Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, 860 356 Rohingya living in refugee camps have experienced decades of persecution. Little is known about disease burden in this population. A retrospective review of deidentified electronic health records (EHR) of 51 270 Rohingya attending two primary health clinics in Kutupalong and Balukahli from October 2017 to October 2019 was performed. A novel EHR system named NIROG was used for patients' medical records'. Females comprised 53.8% of patients. The median age of females was 25 y and for males it was 19 y. Prevalence of adult hypertension and diabetes was 14.1% and 11.0%, respectively. Also, 16.6% of children aged <5 y had moderate or severe acute malnutrition, while 36.6% were at risk of malnutrition. Body mass index (BMI) analysis showed that 34.4% of adults were underweight. Females were more likely to be hypertensive, diabetic, overweight/obese and malnourished. BMI had a statistically significant positive correlation with fasting blood glucose levels and systolic blood pressure. The use of a portable EHR system was highly effective at providing longitudinal care in a humanitarian setting. Significant proportions of the adult population appear to have hypertension or diabetes, pointing to a critical need for management of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The findings of the current study will help stakeholders to plan effective prevention and management of NCDs among displaced Rohingya and other displaced populations.