Introduction:
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) pose a significant health burden worldwide, including in Pakistan. These chronic diseases are influenced by various factors such as genetics, behavior, environment, and lifestyle choices. In this blog post, we will explore the latest information on the incidence, prevalence, and major risk factors associated with NCDs in Pakistan. Additionally, we will provide relevant sources for accessing the data, including the PDHS 2017-18 survey conducted by the National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS), the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) publication on National Health Accounts, and other reputable organizations like the Pakistan Ministry of National Health Services, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Incidence and Prevalence of NCDs in Pakistan:
To understand the burden of NCDs in Pakistan, the PDHS 2017-18 survey conducted by NIPS is a valuable resource [1]. The survey provides comprehensive data on health indicators, including NCDs, based on a nationally representative sample. It covers various age groups and demographics, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the incidence and prevalence of NCDs in Pakistan.
The PDHS 2017-18 survey reveals that NCDs are a significant health concern in Pakistan. Cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, and diabetes are the main types of NCDs affecting the population [1]. The survey also highlights that NCDs disproportionately affect people in low- and middle-income countries, including Pakistan.
Major Risk Factors Associated with NCDs in Pakistan:
Several major risk factors contribute to the development and progression of NCDs in Pakistan. These risk factors include modifiable behavioral factors and metabolic risk factors.
Modifiable Behavioral Risk Factors:
Modifiable behavioral risk factors play a significant role in the occurrence of NCDs. Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as tobacco use, physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, and harmful alcohol consumption, increase the risk of NCDs [1]. In Pakistan, efforts to address these risk factors are crucial in preventing and reducing the burden of NCDs.
Metabolic Risk Factors:
Metabolic risk factors, including raised blood pressure, overweight/obesity, hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels), and hyperlipidemia (high levels of fat in the blood), contribute to the development of NCDs [1]. These factors are closely linked to unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and other lifestyle choices. Monitoring and addressing these metabolic risk factors are essential for effective NCD prevention and control in Pakistan.
Accessing Data Sources:
To access the PDHS 2017-18 survey data on NCDs, the National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS) provides the compiled survey results on their website [1]. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) publication, “National Health Accounts Pakistan,” is another valuable resource for obtaining data related to national health accounts [2].
Other reputable organizations, such as the Pakistan Ministry of National Health Services, the WHO Country Office for Pakistan, and the CDC, also provide valuable information on NCDs in Pakistan. These organizations can offer additional data, research, and insights to further understand the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors associated with NCDs in the country.
Furthermore, it is advisable to contact the Government Health Department of KPK and the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) program, which periodically conducts surveys on various health indicators, including NCDs [3]. These departments may possess desired data or provide further guidance regarding specific health indicators in Pakistan.
Conclusion:
Non-communicable diseases pose a significant health challenge in Pakistan, affecting a large portion of the population. Understanding the incidence, prevalence, and major risk factors associated with NCDs is crucial for effective prevention and control efforts. The PDHS 2017-18 survey, along with other reputable sources such as the PBS, the WHO, and the CDC, provide valuable insights into the burden of NCDs in Pakistan. By addressing modifiable behavioral risk factors and metabolic risk factors, policymakers and healthcare professionals can work towards reducing the impact of NCDs and promoting better health outcomes in the country.