Health Survey Shows 0.8% of Qataris Have no Chronic Disease Risk Factors

Doha, September 08 (QNA) - A survey of chronic disease risk factors carried out here recently reveals 0.8% of respondents in Qatar have no health risks. From the sample of 2,496 adults, who responded to the questionnaire, based on the World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPS model, 1.3% males and 0.3% females have none of the combined risk factors, data released by Qatar Statistics Authority (QSA) this week shows. Given the increased global interest in the role of physical activity to prevent chronic disease, and the lack of data that is useful both to inform within-country public health efforts, and for inter-country comparisons, the WHO developed a Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) for physical activity surveillance. This instrument has mainly been developed for use in developing countries. The GPAQ has undergone a research programme which shows that it is valid and reliable, but also adaptable to incorporate cultural and other differences. The three STEPS survey of chronic disease risk factors in Qatar was carried out from March to May 2012 under STEPS key focal point Dr. Al Anoud bint Mohammed Al Thani of the Supreme Council of Health here. Socio demographic and behavioural information was collected in Step 1. Physical measurements such as height, weight and blood pressure were collected in Step 2. Biochemical measurements were collected to assess blood glucose and cholesterol levels in Step 3. The STEPS survey in Qatar was a population based survey of adults aged 18-64. A multi-stage cluster sample design was used to produce representative data for that age range in Qatar. The overall response rate was 88%. The survey divided the sample into three age groups 18 to 44, 18 to 64 and 45 to 64 years. The combined risk factors increased as the age of the respondents increased. The combined risk factors include, current daily smokers; those who eat less than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day; those with low level of activity; those overweight (Body Mass Index ? 25 kg/m2) and those with raised Blood Pressure (Systolic BP ? 140 and/or Diastolic BP ? 90 mmHg or currently on medication for raised BP). Here below are the results of the survey. Percentage of respondents with none of the above risk factors male 1.3%; female 0.3%; both sexes 0.8%. Percentage of respondents with three or more of the above risk factors (aged 18 to 44 years) male 47.2%; female 42.4%; both sexes 44.9%. Percentage of respondents with three or more of the above risk factors (aged 18 to 64 years) male 51.5%; female 49.8%; both sexes 50.7%. Whereas percentage of respondents with three or more of the above risk factors (aged 45 to 64 years) male 67.6%; female 73.0%; both sexes 70.4%. The findings of this survey are significant to determine the overall health of the country's population. The WHO says physical inactivity is a major independent modifiable risk factor for chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, ischaemic stroke, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and breast cancer. It is also associated with other important health outcomes including mental health, injuries, falls, and obesity. Funds permitting, a repeat survey is planned for Qatar in 2015. (END)