Prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors in three sites across Papua New Guinea: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a culturally, environmentally and ethnically diverse country of 7.3 million people experiencing rapid economic development and social change. Such development is typically associated with an increase in non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors.AimTo establish the prevalence of NCD risk factors in three different regions across PNG in order to guide appropriate prevention and control measures.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was undertaken with randomly selected adults (15–65 years), stratified by age and sex recruited from the general population of integrated Health and Demographic Surveillance Sites in West Hiri (periurban), Asaro (rural highland) and Karkar Island (rural island), PNG. A modified WHO STEPS risk factor survey was administered along with anthropometric and biochemical measures on study participants.ResultsThe prevalence of NCD risk factors was markedly different across the three sites. For example, the prevalences of current alcohol consumption at 43% (95% CI 35 to 52), stress at 46% (95% CI 40 to 52), obesity at 22% (95% CI 18 to 28), hypertension at 22% (95% CI 17 to 28), elevated levels of cholesterol at 24% (95% CI 19 to 29) and haemoglobin A1c at 34% (95% CI 29 to 41) were highest in West Hiri relative to the rural areas. However, central obesity at 90% (95% CI 86 to 93) and prehypertension at 55% (95% CI 42 to 62) were most common in Asaro whereas prevalences of smoking, physical inactivity and low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels at 52% (95% CI 45 to 59), 34% (95% CI 26 to 42) and 62% (95% CI 56 to 68), respectively, were highest in Karkar Island.ConclusionAdult residents in the three different communities are at high risk of developing NCDs, especially the West Hiri periurban population. There is an urgent need for appropriate multisectoral preventive interventions and improved health services. Improved monitoring and control of NCD risk factors is also needed in all regions across PNG.

Prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and associated risk factors in a mining workforce, Democratic Republic of Congo

“…Organized workplace programs that integrate health risk assessment measures with specific interventions (e.g. targeting dietary intake and increasing physical activity) are effective means to help abate the looming crisis of NCDs, with concomitant improvements in overall medical parameters promoting psychological and physical wellbeing [ 40 ]. For the employer, moreover, programs that improve health outcomes can lead to reductions in absenteeism and associated health care costs, while increasing productivity.…”

Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in occupational groups from Papua New Guinea: Self-reported patterns and correlates

“…The prevalence of smoking was found to be less than earlier studies (overall 37% compared to 41-47%). 115,120 Alcohol consumption of more than 2 standard drinks/day was also found to be lower amongst all workers (34%), compared to previous PNG data (43%). 120 As with other studies that examined the association between educational attainment and occupation, 23,91,93,94,102,106 the findings presented in this thesis, showed office workers possessed a higher educational level, and were from an older age group (41 -60 years).…”

“…The present study contributes evidence as to the levels of PA and SB in groups of urban working adults, highlighting that the national plan should consider including action that targets SB. Furthermore, continued promotion of PA should also be targeted, with attention given to maintaining walking levels, but also promoting higher intensity activities; physical activities that raise heart rate to moderate and vigorous intensities have particular benefits for cardiovascular function, heart disease51 and associated conditions such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, a growing health concern in PNG120 and Pacific island countries 114. In developed countries, promotion of leisure time activities has been suggested as a potential means of compensating for reduced PA and increased SB in other domains of life 126.…”

Nutrition Transition in Papua New Guinea (PNG): An Assessment of the Nutrition Transition for Three Diverse Populations, Including the Contributing Factors, Food Insecurity, and Health Risks

“…Asaro has a population of 10,034 and is located 40 km from Goroka, the Eastern Highlands provincial capital [16,17]. The populace lives in semi-permanent traditional houses that are clustered together into villages.…”

“…Madang on the northern coast, and has a population of about 20,000 [17,18]. The people of Karkar Island are subsistence farmers but also produce cash crops such as cocoa and copra.…”