Epidemiological transition of some diseases in Oman: a situational analysis

During the past 35 years Oman has undergone a rapid socioeconomic and epidemiological transition leading to a steep reduction in child and adult mortality and morbidity due to the decline of various communicable diseases, including vaccine-preventable diseases. Good governance and planning, together with leadership and commitment by the government, has been a critical factor in this reduction. However, with increasing prosperity, lifestyle-related noncommunicable diseases have emerged as new health challenges to the country, with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity in the lead among other chronic conditions. Appropriate prevention strategies for reducing the burden of noncommunicable diseases are discussed

Some risk factors for coronary heart disease among Omani males: a matched case-control study

Evaluation of some of the leading risk factors for coronary heart disease [CHD] among males in Oman. We conducted a hospital-based pair-wise matched case-control study among Omani CHD patients admitted in the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and the Royal Hospital located in Muscat, Oman. The cases were matched with an equal number of controls in respect of age and hospital. The information was collected from the cases and controls based on an interview and review of the medical records of the admitted CHD patients. The odds ratios [ORs] were estimated under univariate as well as multivariate situations using conditional multiple binary logistic regression model. The analysis revealed that 74 percent of the cases were of angina pectoris. The majority of the cases [96%] were above 40 years of age. The prevalence of sedentary life style was predominant [88.0%]. Hypertension, diabetes, family history of CHD and a sedentary occupation were the most significant risk factors for the development of the disease. The estimated values of the adjusted ORs were found to be 9.98, 2.74, 28.19 and 3.00 respectively [p<0.05]. Individuals with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, a family history of CHD and with sedentary occupations are to be considered at high risk of developing CHD. Such individuals should be provided with appropriate health education along with close monitoring for symptoms and signs of CHD