Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) pose a significant burden on public health in South East Asian countries, contributing to over 80% of all deaths. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of ongoing surveillance of NCDs and their associated risk factors, employing the WHO Stepwise approach to surveillance (STEPS). This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of NCD risk factors in a Central Asian nation with a high annual mortality rate attributed to NCDs.
Between December 2021 and November 2022, a WHO STEPS survey was conducted among 1000 eligible participants aged 20-80. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. The findings revealed significant proportions of participants being overweight or obese (BMI≥25kg/m²) and morbidly obese (BMI≥40kg/m²). Elevated blood pressure (BP) and blood glucose levels were also prevalent among the participants. Further analysis indicated age-related patterns in NCD risk factors, with certain age groups being more predisposed to morbid obesity, elevated blood sugar, and blood pressure. Notably, individuals in the morbidly obese group were more frequently associated with elevated blood sugar and blood pressure levels. These findings highlight the substantial prevalence of NCD risk factors in the population and emphasize the importance of targeted prevention and control initiatives. Utilizing this surveillance data can guide policy-making and monitoring efforts aimed at reducing mortality rates and enhancing public health and economic well-being.