Authors : M. Seyffarshad , A. Kousha , S. Pourdowlati , M. Karamouz , M. Farahbakhsh , S. Hakimi and H. Sadeghi-Bazargani
Abstract: Cardiovascular diseases and cancer account for 58.9% of all deaths respectively in East Azerbaijan in 2003. Our aim of this study as part of a national program was to determine the status of major risk factors of non communicable diseases in Eastern Azarbaijan province north west of Iran. A cross sectional survey was conducted on 3740 men and women between 15-64 years old. The study was designed based on WHO STEPS approach. One stage cluster sampling method was used. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 11. Proportions and means were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals. Proportions were compared between subgroups using chi-square test and means were compared using t test. Cigarette smoking was observed in 14.9% of population (95% CI: 13.75-16.04). Nearly half of the participants consumed fruit and vegetables more than four time a week. 70.3 % of individuals didn’t use fish in a given week period. The highest overweight rate was 41.87% found in 55-64 years age group and the highest obesity rate was 22.65% found among 45-54 years old individuals. 71.1% of men and 80.1% of women didn’t do at least 10 min of exercise in leisure time. About 9% of men and 12.8% of women were hyper cholesterolemic (p< 0.001). Mean fasting blood sugar was 93. mg dL 1 for men and 93.85 mg dL 1 for women. A history of blood pressure measurement was observed among 38.8 % of individuals. 19.4% of men and 21.9% of women had raised blood pressure. The primary goal of NCD prevention programs can be to decrease obesity mainly through propagating exercise and supplying prerequisites of it. People with risk factors need to be identified, made aware of the situation and provided with tools to make changes in their behaviors.
M. Seyffarshad , A. Kousha , S. Pourdowlati , M. Karamouz , M. Farahbakhsh , S. Hakimi and H. Sadeghi-Bazargani , 2007. Cardiac Risk Factor Analysis in East Azerbaijan, Iran . The Cardiology, 3: 1-4.