Risk factors survey for non-communicable diseases in Duhok city

Abstract EN

Background and Objectives Non communicable diseases are increasing among different communities as a result of several epidemiological, economic and lifestyle changes.

Assessment of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in any country is crucial and will provide a valuable economic and social support for the health sector.

The objectives of the study establish a baseline non-communicable diseases risk factors profile in Duhok district.

Methods A cross sectional study was conducted.

One thousand persons have been interviewed in 50 clusters in Duhok district from 20th of December, 2003 to 14th of January, 2004.

The data have been collected according to World Health Organization stepwise approach to non-communicable diseases surveillance.

The eligible persons were in the age of 25-69 years.

The initial assessment was questionnaire based and done on the first day, then the person was visited on the second day for physical measurements and a blood sample was withdrawn and taken to the laboratory at Azadi general hospital for measurement of fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile.

Persons with fasting plasma glucose = 99-125 mg/dl who were not known to be diabetics were asked to visit the hospital for oral glucose tolerance test; the results of which were interpreted according to World Health Organization 1999 criteria.

Results Current smokers constituted 2.2% of females and 46.8 % of males.

No alcohol consumption has been recorded in females.

In males, 5.4% have consumed a drink that contains alcohol.

According to the American Heart Association recommendations, 97% of females and 96.2% of males were consuming low fruits and vegetables.

Of those enrolled in the study, 44% of females and 23.2% of males had no physical activity for at least 3 times per week for at least 20 minutes.

Using waist to hip ratio to identify android obesity, 57.8% of females had waist to hip ratio >0.85 and 10.6% of males had waist to hip ratio >1.

Using the criteria set of systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg and / or diastolic blood pressure > 90 mmHg, the frequency of hypertension was 268 (53.6%) in females and 182 (36.4%) in males and 450 (45%) in general population.

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus was 15.2% in females, 11.8% in males and 13.5% in general population.

High total cholesterol (≥ 240 mg) has been recorded in 6.6% of females and 5.6% of males.

High low density lipoprotein (≥ 160 mg/dl) and low high density lipoprotein ( 40 mg/dl) coexisted in 3% of females and 3.4% of males.

Conclusion The prevalence of the risk factors of non-communicable diseases is generally high necessitating establishing a healthy lifestyle program in Duhok governorate.

Also periodic non-communicable diseases risk factors surveys or establishing a surveillance system is necessary to monitor the trends of non-communicable diseases risk factors.