Prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among the elderly of Birjand in 2014

Abstract

Objectives Noncommunicable diseases are the leading causes of death and disability, globally. Moreover, the aging population is growing in the world. These issues are among major public health challenges; thus, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases risks factors among the elderly of Birjand City, Iran, in 2014. Methods & Materials The present cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 elderly who were selected through random cluster sampling method. Data collection was carried out using the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to noncommunicable diseases surveillance (STEPS) instrument. Furthermore, physical assessments included measuring height, weight, waist and hip circumference and blood pressure by trained health experts. Then, the obtained data were analyzed by Chi-squared test, t-test and one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results From 400 elderly who participated in this study, 200 persons were male and the Mean±SD age of study participants was 70±6.4 years. The prevalence of smoking was 10.7%; 49% were overweight or obese, and 34.5% had hypertension. The prevalence of abdominal obesity and physical inactivity were 63.5% and 55%, respectively. In addition, the inadequate intake of fruits, vegetables, fish and dairy products were 73.8%, 67.8%, 95%, and 74.5%, respectively. The prevalence of smoking in men, and the prevalence of obesity and overweight, physical inactivity and abdominal obesity in women were significantly higher (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant gender difference in the prevalence of hypertension (P=0.14). Conclusion The achieved results indicated a high prevalence of noncommunicable diseases risks factors among the studied elderly. Given the importance of the growing elderly population, planning for appropriate interventions aimed for healthier, longer and higher quality lives in the elderly should be considered by health officials and policymakers.