Objective
To identify the major risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among the population of the capital city Male.
Methods
We undertook a cross-sectional survey among the 25–64-year-age group using a multi-stage sampling method with households as sampling unit. Information on behavioral, physiological, and biochemical risk factors was obtained through standardized methods as recommended by the STEPS survey guideline of the World Health Organization. Age-adjusted prevalence was calculated using the census figures for the year 2000.
Results
Among 2,028 individuals who participated in the survey, complete biochemical data were available for 1,506 subjects. The prevalence of NCD risk factors was high among both men and women in low education group: current smoking (39.9, 9.9%); overweight (BMI = 23 kg/m2) (60.8, 65.5%); abdominal obesity (24.2, 54.1%); raised blood pressure (29.7, 32.9%); raised blood glucose (4.3, 4.7%); hypercholesterolemia (53.7, 54.9%).
Conclusion
The significant burden posed by the NCD risk factors along with the gender and socioeconomic differentials point to the need for public health action. The Ministry of Health has already initiated a comprehensive response to this threat. The experience and lessons from this survey will be useful for developing a comprehensive and sustainable surveillance system in the country.