Clustering of non-communicable diseases risk factors in Bangladeshi adults: An analysis of STEPS survey 2013

Abstract

BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) have already become major killers in Bangladesh. Once NCDs are developed, they become chronic health and economic problems. Their primary prevention is linked to their common risk factors. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of NCD risk factors with a focus on their clustering in Bangladeshi adults.MethodsThis nationally representative study was done in 4,073 (1,812 men and 2,261 women) adults aged 25 years or older selected from rural and urban households. Multistage cluster sampling design was used. Selected variables were in line with steps I and II of WHO stepwise surveillance except alcohol.ResultsForty-four percent used tobacco in any form. Almost 93 % did not consume adequate fruit and vegetables (5 servings or more). Thirty eight percent had low physical activity level (<600 MET-minutes/week). One-quarter (26 %) were overweight (body mass index > =25 kg/m^2). Twenty-one percent had hypertension (blood pressure > =140/90 mmHg or medication) and about 5 % had documented diabetes.Upon examination of risk factor clustering, we observed that 38 % had at least three risk factors. After this threshold, clustering suddenly dropped down to a fairly low level. Using this threshold as a cut-off, clustering of risk factors was associated with age, male gender, urban residence, educational levels and quality of house in multivariate analysis.ConclusionPrevalence of NCD risk factors is fairly high in Bangladeshi adults with a tendency of clustering. If a risk factor such as hypertension is detected, a closer look for other risk factors has to be given in both at clinical and public health settings. Clustering raises risk by more than a summation of risk factors. Our findings, therefore, suggest that Bangladesh could expect a significant increase in NCDs in near future.

Prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases in a rural area of Bangladesh

“…This might have favored easy availability and use of smokeless tobacco products such as Zarda, Pan Masala, Gul, etc. 17 We found low per capita consumption of fruit/ vegetable per day in our study which is similar that of STEPS surveys done in 2010 7 and 2013. 8 Low consumption of fruits and vegetables probably could be due to the lack of awareness, especially in rural area.…”

“…The overall prevalence of smoking (31.0%) observed in the present study is quite high than STEPS survey 2010 (27%) 7 and STEPS survey 2013(17%) 8 done in Bangladesh. Smoking prevalence among men in the present study (58.4 %.)…”

“…Although a few population level studies on risk factors of NCDs have been published, [5][6][7] we need more data points for setting the baseline and examining the trend as per global NCD monitoring framework. 8,9 For control and prevention of NCDs in Bangladesh, we need to know the distribution of established risk factors of NCDs both in urban and rural areas.…”

Healthcare Professionals’ Perceptions of Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors and Its Regional Distribution in Ethiopia

“…The difference could be attributed to study populations, with this study exploring the perceptions of healthcare providers' nationwide, while the previous studies were on members of the public living in specific locations. The results of this study showed a 79.8% perceived prevalence of unhealthy diet, which is lower than the 93% reported in Bangladesh (Zaman et al, 2015). The difference might be attributed to geographical location, cultural norms and food habits.…”

Prevalence of Risk Factors of non-communicable Diseases in an Adult Population of Rural Bangladesh

“…2 Both NCDs and their risk factors are showing an increasing trend. 3,4 These risk factors are tobacco use, low intake of fruits and vegetables, physical inactivity, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption, raised blood pressure, and raised blood glucose and cholesterol. 5 Evidences show that the detection and treatment rate of diabetes mellitus and hypertension is also inadequate among Bangladeshi population.…”