2003-12-31-世界卫生组织-2004_STEPS_Country_report_Nauru_61页_1mb

Nauru STEPS Report Summary

Introduction

Nauru experiences high burdens of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases due to prevalent risk factors. The WHO Stepwise Approach to Surveillance for Noncommunicable Disease Risk Factors (STEPS) survey was conducted in 2004 to assess behavioral and physiological risk factors across the population aged 15-64 years.

Methodology

• Survey Design: A population-wide, cross-sectional survey following a three-step process: behavioral questionnaires, physiological measures (height, weight, blood pressure), and biochemical tests (blood glucose, cholesterol).
• Sample Size: A representative sample of 2,272 individuals (89.7% response rate) was surveyed.
• Implementation: Collaborative effort between the Nauru Ministry of Health, WHO, and the Centre for Physical Activity and Health, supported by AusAID.

Key Findings

• Tobacco Use: 52.9% of respondents were current smokers; 48.2% were daily smokers, with higher rates among females.
• Alcohol Consumption: 46.2% were current drinkers; average daily consumption was high (13.1 for men, 10.3 for women).
• Diet: 96.9% consumed fewer than five servings of fruits/vegetables daily.
• Physical Activity: Most activity was moderate-intensity but low in recreation; 16.5% were inactive, with rates increasing with age.
• Overweight/Obesity: 82.2% were overweight or obese; 58.1% were obese.
• Hypertension: 23.1% had raised blood pressure.
• Diabetes: 16.2% had diabetes or used glucose-lowering treatments.
• Raised NCD Risk: 79.3% of adults (25-64 years) had at least three risk factors.

Discussion

The survey revealed critical levels of NCD risk factors, necessitating sustained public health actions. The integration of health services and community engagement enhanced data utility, but environmental barriers to physical activity exist.

Recommendations for Action

Public Health and Clinical Interventions

• Raise awareness of tobacco, alcohol, poor diet, and inactivity harms.
• Implement smoke-free policies and smoking cessation programs.
• Promote moderate alcohol use and reduce binge drinking.
• Encourage physical activity and healthy eating through guidelines and policies.
• Improve access to fruits and vegetables and support weight management.

Infrastructure and Partnerships

• Train health workers in lifestyle counseling and NCD surveillance.
• Secure sustainable funding for NCD programs.
• Foster cross-sector coalitions (e.g., government, NGOs) to address risk factors.

Surveillance

• Maintain STEPS data collection for ongoing monitoring.
• Expand questionnaires to include psychosocial and environmental factors.

Dissemination and Utility

• Share STEPS findings with policymakers, the public, and scientific communities.
• Use data to inform national NCD plans and evaluate interventions.
• Partner with regional agencies like WHO for global integration.

The Nauru-STEPS survey underscores the urgent need for comprehensive, evidence-based strategies to mitigate NCD risks and improve public health.