scholarly journals Noncommunicable diseases risk factors in Bhutan: A secondary analysis of data from Bhutan’s nationwide STEPS survey 2014

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (9) ◽  
pp. e0257385
Author(s):  
Gyambo Sithey ◽  
Li Ming Wen ◽  
Laigden Dzed ◽  
Mu Li

Background Bhutan is facing an epidemic of noncommunicable diseases; they are responsible for 53% of all deaths. Four main modifiable risk factors, including tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet, are the causes of most noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This study aimed to assess 1) the prevalence of NCDs modifiable risk factors in Bhutan’s adult population and 2) associations between the sociodemographic factors and the NCDs modifiable risk factors with overweight or obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Methods We used the 2014 Bhutan WHO Stepwise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) Survey dataset in this study. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regressions, constructed with overweight or obesity, hypertension, and diabetes as outcome variables and modifiable risk factors as independent variables. Results The prevalence of tobacco use, harmful use of alcohol, unhealthy diet (low fruits and vegetables intake) and physically inactive was 24.8% (95% CI: 21.5, 28.5), 42.4% (95% CI: 39.4, 45.5), 66.9% (95% CI: 61.5, 71.8), and 6.2% (95% CI: 4.9, 7.8), respectively. The prevalence of overweight or obesity, hypertension and diabetes was 32.9% (95%CI: 30.0, 36.0), 35.7% (95% CI: 32.8, 38.7) and 6.4% (95% CI: 5.1, 7.9), respectively. Multiple logistic regression showed that older age groups were more likely to be overweight or obese, hypertensive, and diabetic. Our analysis also found that tobacco users were less likely to be overweight or obese (aOR 0.71, 95% CI 0.52, 0.96), and to be hypertensive (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56, 0.97); but they were more likely to be diabetic (aOR 1.64, 95% CI 1.05, 2.56). Alcohol users were more likely to be hypertensive aOR 1.41 (95% CI 1.15, 1.74). Furthermore, vigorous physical activity could protect people from being overweight or obese, aOR 0.47 (95% CI 0.31, 0.70), and those consuming more than five serves of fruits and vegetables per day were more likely to be overweight or obese, aOR 1.46 (95% CI 1.17, 1.82). Conclusion The prevalence of NCDs modifiable risk factors and overweight or obesity and hypertension was high in Bhutan. We found strong associations between tobacco use and diabetes, alcohol use, hypertension, physically inactive, and overweight or obesity. The results suggest that the government should prioritize NCDs prevention and control programs, focusing on reducing modifiable risk factors. The health sector alone cannot address the NCDs epidemic in Bhutan, and we recommend the whole of government approach to tackle NCDs through the Bhutan Gross National Happiness framework.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ndubuisi Ebele

NCD causes an estimated 35 million deaths annually and accounts for 60% of all deaths globally, of which 80% is in low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). NCDs will account for 80% of the global burden of disease by 2020. And will be responsible for seven out of every ten deaths in LMIC, more than double the current trend today. NCD is no longer an emerging problem in developing countries, it is assuming an alarming dimension, and it's taking on the proportion of an epidemic. The known risk factors for significant NCDs are well documented. The critical risk factors are tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol. To reverse the current trend that leads to an increase in poor dietary pattern, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol use- will require policies that transcend the health sector and policy change in different areas such as finance, urban planning, education, agriculture, and transportation.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ndubuisi Ebele

NCD causes an estimated 35 million deaths annually and accounts for 60% of all deaths globally, of which 80% is in low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). NCDs will account for 80% of the global burden of disease by 2020. And will be responsible for seven out of every ten deaths in LMIC, more than double the current trend today. NCD is no longer an emerging problem in developing countries, it is assuming an alarming dimension, and it's taking on the proportion of an epidemic. The known risk factors for significant NCDs are well documented. The critical risk factors are tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol. To reverse the current trend that leads to an increase in poor dietary pattern, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol use- will require policies that transcend the health sector and policy change in different areas such as finance, urban planning, education, agriculture, and transportation.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ndubuisi Ebele

NCD causes an estimated 35 million deaths annually and accounts for 60% of all deaths globally, of which 80% is in low-and-middle-income countries (LMIC). NCDs will account for 80% of the global burden of disease by 2020. And will be responsible for seven out of every ten deaths in LMIC, more than double the current trend today. NCD is no longer an emerging problem in developing countries, it is assuming an alarming dimension, and it's taking on the proportion of an epidemic. The known risk factors for significant NCDs is well documented. The critical risk factors are tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and harmful use of alcohol. To reverse the current trend that leads to an increase in poor dietary pattern, sedentary lifestyle, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol use- will requires policies that transcend the health sector and policy change in different areas such as finance, urban planning, education, agriculture, and transportation.


2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 104-109
Author(s):  
Kalpana Patni ◽  
Anu Gupta

Lifestyle Disorders (LSD) are common problems among upper-middle and higher society children. Lifestyle has long been associated with the development of many chronic diseases. It affects both genders. WHO has recognized Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), especially diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and chronic lung disease, have everyday lifestyle linked risk factors like lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet and feeding habits and harmful use of alcohol. Worldwide, the current scenario of NCDs is the primary cause of morbidity and mortality, even in young children. According to WHO Report 2004, these account for nearly 60% of deaths and 47% of the global burden of illness. The rise in NCDs is substantially accelerating in most developing countries like India. In India, 53% of the deaths in 2008 were due to NCDs, and cardiovascular disease (CVDs) alone accounted for 24% of deaths (WHO). In 2005 India experienced the highest loss in potentially productive years of life globally, and the leading cause of death was cardiovascular disease. The cumulative loss of national income for India due to NCDs mortality for 2006-2015 was around USD237 billion. By 2030, this productivity loss is estimated to double to 17.9 million years lost. These major NCDs are preventable through effective Ayurvedic interventions by judiciously treating lifestyle-related modifiable risk factors. This review confers the current scenario of NCDs in children and their Ayurvedic Management.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 22-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa R. Staimez ◽  
Melissa Y. Wei ◽  
Min Kim ◽  
K. M. Venkat Narayan ◽  
Sharon H. Saydah

Background Cardiometabolic and chronic pulmonary diseases may be associated with modifiable risk factors that can be targeted to prevent multimorbidity. Objectives (i) Estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity across four cardiometabolic and chronic pulmonary disease groups; (ii) compare the prevalence of multimorbidity to that of one disease and no disease; and (iii) quantify population attributable fractions (PAFs) for modifiable risk factors of multimorbidity. Design Data from adults aged 18–79 years who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2012 were examined. Multimorbidity was defined as ≥2 co-occurring diseases across four common cardiometabolic and chronic pulmonary disease groups. Multivariate-adjusted PAFs for poverty, obesity, smoking, hypertension, and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were estimated. Results Among 16,676 adults, the age-standardized prevalence of multimorbidity was 9.3%. The occurrence of multimorbidity was greater with age, from 1.5% to 5.9%, 15.0% and 34.8% for adults aged 18–39, 40–54, 55–64 and 65–79 years, respectively. Multimorbidity was greatest among the poorest versus non-poorest adults and among blacks versus other races/ethnicities. Multimorbidity was also greater in adults with obesity, hypertension, and low HDL cholesterol. Risk factors with greatest PAFs were hypertension (38.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 29.4–47.4) and obesity (19.3%; 95% CI 10.2–28.2). Conclusions In the USA, 9.3% of adults have multimorbidity across four chronic disease groups, with a disproportionate burden among older, black, and poor adults. Our results suggest that targeting two intermediate modifiable risk factors, hypertension and obesity, might help to reduce the prevalence of multimorbidity in US adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Feyissa Challa ◽  
Tigist Getahun ◽  
Meron Sileshi ◽  
Bikila Nigassie ◽  
Zeleke Geto ◽  
...  

Hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor for major cardiovascular diseases, but data on the prevalence and predictors of HHcy in low- and middle-income countries like Ethiopia are scant. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HHcy and associated risk factors in the Ethiopian adult population. A cross-sectional survey on risks of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) using the STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) survey was conducted between April and June 2015. A total of 4,175 study participants were surveyed. Serum homocysteine (Hcy) and metabolic profile were determined using Cobas Integra 400 Plus and CardioChek PA analyzer, respectively. Factors associated with HHcy were determined using logistic regression. The mean serum tHcy concentration was 14.6 μmol/L, with 16.4 μmol/L in males and 13.4 μmol/L in females. Overall, 38% had HHcy, with figures in males (49%) higher than females (30%). Increased age, being male, and high blood pressure and/or taking blood pressure medication, as well as low consumption of fruit and/or vegetables, were independent risk factors for HHcy. In conclusion, the prevalence of HHcy among the adult Ethiopian population is alarmingly high. Improving diets through the promotion of fruit and vegetable consumption is needed to reduce the risk of NCDs.


2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 51-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
J Pahlm ◽  
J Svensson ◽  
S K Joshi ◽  
K Swahnberg

Background: Non-communicable diseases are becoming more prevalent in Nepal and many risk factors attributing to these diseases are behaviour-related and therefore preventable. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes among students of grade eight and nine in Kathmandu toward physical activity and diet and their knowledge about how it affects their health. Methods: We conducted four focus groups that included 24 students to explore knowledge and attitudes toward physical activity among them. Focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim later. Method described by K. Malterud, inspired by Giorgi’s phenomenological method was used to analyze the transcribed material. Results: Participants considered physical activity to be benefi cial for health in many ways. They also believed that healthy food is important to avoid diseases. Several participants mentioned that a balanced lifestyle is essential for a healthy life. Conclusion: Though the students saw the importance of physical activity and a healthy diet to avoid diseases and stay healthy, most of them did not connect a lack of physical activity and unhealthy diet to possible noncommunicable diseases in the future. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jkmc.v2i2.10623Journal of Kathmandu Medical College, Vol. 2, No. 2, Issue 4, Apr.-Jun., 2013, Page: 51-58


2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 119-122
Author(s):  
Rajib Mondal ◽  
Rajib Chandra Sarker ◽  
Palash Chandra Banik

Background and aims: Behavioral risk factors of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are established during early age and continued into adulthood. In Bangladesh, the scenario of NCD risk factors among students was inadequately studied. The aim of this study was to assess and compare the prevalence of behavioral risk factors of NCDs between undergraduate medical and nonmedical students. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 undergraduate students (equal number of students from medical and nonmedical backgrounds). Respondents were selected purposively from 5 purposively-selected institutions. Modified WHO STEPS instrument was used for data collection. Respondents were asked about their behavioral risk factors (tobacco use, insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, inadequate physical activity, and alcohol consumption) by face-to-face interviews. Results: Men students were more in both groups. The mean age of the medical and nonmedical students was 22.1±2.0 and 21.8±1.9 years, respectively. Tobacco use was more among nonmedical students than that among the counterpart (22.1% vs. 15.7%). Medical students were more used to take insufficient fruits and vegetables compared to nonmedical students (97.9% vs. 93.6%). Equal proportions (71.4%) of students in both groups were used to perform inadequate physical activity. Alcohol consumption was observed more among nonmedical students (12.9% vs. 8.6%). Conclusion: Behavioral risk factors of NCDs were remarkable among students of both groups, mainly among nonmedical students.


2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabiana Lucena Rocha ◽  
Gustavo Velasquez-Melendez

Abstract Objective: To estimate the prevalence of concurrency of risk factors for Noncommunicable Diseases and non-random aggregation of these in Brazilian school adolescents. Method: Descriptive study, with data from the National School Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar), 2015. The prevalence of concurrent risk factors was estimated: smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity and low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Aggregation was verified when the observed-expected prevalence ratio was greater than 1. The analyses were performed in Stata 15.0 software. Results: The proportion of concurrent risk factors was higher for those who had two risk factors (56.1%; 95%CI: 55.5-56.6). The most prevalent risk factors combination was “Low consumption of fruits and vegetables + Physical inactivity” (66%; 95% CI: 65.8-66.9). There was an aggregation of risk factors, and the highest ratio between observed and expected prevalence was: “Smoking + Alcohol” (79.0%; 95%CI: 73.8-84.2). Conclusion and implications for practice: The findings show a high prevalence of concurrent risk factors, with aggregation of these in adolescents. Identifying these risk groups may favor early interventions by minimizing exposure and targeting primary prevention strategies in early exposure to risk factors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Sepehri Shamloo ◽  
Nikolaos Dagres ◽  
Arash Arya ◽  
Gerhard Hindricks

Abstract Atrial fibrillation (AF), as the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Successful therapeutic strategies have been introduced so far, but they are associated with significant costs. Therefore, identification of modifiable risk factors of AF and the development of appropriate preventive strategies may play a substantial role in promoting community health and reducing health care system costs. Modifiable cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obstructive sleep apnea, alcohol consumption, smoking, and sedentary lifestyles have been proposed as possible contributors to the development and progression of AF. In this review, we discuss the role of modifiable risk factors in the development and management of AF and the evidence for the underlying mechanism for each of the potential risk factor.


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