2015-12-31-世界卫生组织-2016_STEPS_Fact_Sheet_Armenia_2页_162kb

STEPS Survey Summary: Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors in the Republic of Armenia (2016)

Overview

The STEPS (Strengthening the Links between Prevention and Health) survey was conducted in the Republic of Armenia from September 2016 to December 2016. It aimed to collect population-based data on non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors among adults aged 18–69 years. The survey was structured into three steps: Step 1 focused on socio-demographic and behavioral data, Step 2 on physical measurements, and Step 3 on biochemical indicators. A cluster sampling method was used to ensure representative data, with a total of 2349 adults participating and an overall response rate of 42%.

Core Content

Step 1: Socio-Demographic and Behavioral Data

• Tobacco Use:

  • 27.9% of both sexes currently smoke tobacco.
  • Males have a significantly higher rate (51.5%) compared to females (1.8%).
  • 26.9% of both sexes smoke tobacco daily.
  • Males (49.9%) and females (1.6%) show similar patterns in daily smoking.
  • The average age of starting smoking is 18.1 years.
  • 94.3% of daily smokers use manufactured cigarettes.
  • Males smoke an average of 22.9 cigarettes per day, females 15.6.

• Alcohol Consumption:

  • 29.0% of both sexes are lifetime abstainers.
  • Males (18.0%) are more likely to be lifetime abstainers than females (41.0%).
  • 34.4% of both sexes currently drink alcohol in the past 30 days.
  • Males (46.1%) are more likely to drink than females (21.5%).
  • 5.9% of both sexes engage in heavy episodic drinking.
  • Males (11.1%) are more likely to engage in heavy drinking than females (0.1%).

• Diet:

  • On average, adults consume 5.4 days of fruit and 5.0 days of vegetables per week.
  • Males (5.2 days of fruit, 1.8 servings per day) and females (5.6 days of fruit, 2.0 servings per day) show similar consumption patterns.
  • 76.0% of both sexes consume less than 5 servings of fruit and/or vegetables per day.
  • 35.4% of both sexes always or often add salt or salty sauce to their food.
  • Males (40.3%) are more likely to add salt than females (30.1%).
  • 31.2% of both sexes consume processed foods high in salt.
  • Males (34.3%) are more likely than females (27.8%).

• Physical Activity:

  • 21.3% of both sexes have insufficient physical activity (less than 150 minutes of moderate activity per week).
  • Males (22.0%) and females (20.4%) show similar levels.
  • Median time spent in physical activity per day is 120 minutes (IQR: 30–360).
  • 77.9% of both sexes do not engage in vigorous activity.
  • Males (67.8%) are less likely to engage in vigorous activity than females (88.9%).

• Cervical Cancer Screening:

  • 33.2% of women aged 30–49 years have ever had a cervical cancer screening test.
  • No data provided for males.

Key Findings

• Tobacco Use: Smoking is highly prevalent among males, with over half of them currently smoking daily. Females have very low smoking rates.
• Alcohol Consumption: Males are more likely to consume alcohol and engage in heavy episodic drinking compared to females.
• Dietary Habits: Less than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day is common (76.0% of both sexes), and salt intake is also high.
• Physical Activity: A significant proportion (over 77%) of both sexes do not engage in vigorous activity, indicating low levels of active lifestyles.
• BMI and Obesity: Over 47.7% of both sexes are overweight (BMI ≥ 25), and 19.5% are obese (BMI ≥ 30). Males have lower obesity rates than females.
• Blood Pressure: 37.8% of both sexes have raised blood pressure (SBP ≥ 140 or DBP ≥ 90 mmHg), with males (39.3%) and females (36.3%) showing similar trends.
• Blood Glucose and Cholesterol: Average fasting blood glucose is 4.7 mmol/L, with 5.7% having raised levels. Total blood cholesterol averages 4.3 mmol/L, with 23.5% having raised levels.
• CVD Risk: 16.5% of adults aged 40–69 years have a 10-year CVD risk ≥ 30% or existing CVD.
• Combined Risk Factors:
  • 35.7% of adults aged 18–69 years have three or more risk factors.
  • Males (43.2%) are more likely to have multiple risk factors than females (28.4%).
  • Among younger adults (18–44 years), 23.7% have three or more risk factors.
  • Among older adults (45–69 years), 55.5% have three or more risk factors.

Conclusion

The STEPS survey highlights a significant burden of NCD risk factors in the Republic of Armenia, particularly among males. High rates of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, excessive salt consumption, and low physical activity contribute to a high prevalence of overweight, obesity, and raised blood pressure. These factors collectively increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The survey underscores the need for targeted public health interventions to address these risk factors, especially in male populations and older adults. A repeat survey is planned for 2018 if funding is available to monitor progress and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.