Prevalence of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases in adults: key findings from the Pakistan STEPS survey

ABSTRACT

Background: Pakistan lacks data on the prevalence of risk factors for common noncommunicable diseases [NCDs]. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs among a population-based sample in Punjab and Sindh provinces, Pakistan. Methods: This study was conducted in 2013–2014. The NCD risk factors examined were current daily smoking, eating fewer than 5 servings of fruits/vegetable a day, low physical activity, overweight and obesity. A total of 7 710 households were selected and 1 adult was enrolled from each household. Data were collected using the WHO STEPS instrument [Step 1 and 2], and analysed according to the STEPS statistical plan. Results: The prevalence of tobacco use was 19.7%. The majority of the respondents [96.5%] consumed fewer than 5 servings of fruits/vegetables a day, 41.5% had a low level of physical activity, 26.3% were overweight and 14.9% were obese. The prevalence of stage I and stage II hypertension, including those on medication, was 37% and 15.9% respectively. The prevalence of NCD risk factors differed significantly by sex and occupation [P = 0.0001] but not by age group [P = 0.118], level of education [P = 0.668] and province [P = 0.056]. Only 0.6% of the sample had none of the 5 NCD risk factors while 40% had 3–5. Conclusion: The high prevalence of NCD risk factors in Punjab and Sindh provinces is of concern. Urgent public health interventions are needed to reduce them, especially in youth and young adults