2007-12-31-世界卫生组织-2008_STEPS_Country_Report_Democratic_People_s_Republic_of_Korea_10页_55kb

Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey Summary

Introduction and Background
The global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is substantial, accounting for 60% of all deaths (35 million out of 58 million) in 2005, with 80% occurring in low-middle income countries. In DPR Korea, NCD risk factors are understudied, despite anecdotal evidence of rising NCD prevalence. This survey aimed to address data gaps using the WHO STEPS approach to inform policy changes in the Ministry of Public Health.

Objectives

• Determine the prevalence of key NCD risk factors: tobacco use, alcohol use, elevated blood pressure, and body mass index among the sample population.
• Collect data to support population-wide interventions and policy modifications.

Methodology

• Employed a modified WHO STEPS approach for surveillance.
• Sample size: 2920 individuals aged 15-64 years, selected from Moranbong District via random sampling of 3895 households.
• Data collection involved questionnaires (translated to and from Korean for accuracy) and standardized measurements (weight, height, blood pressure) at polyclinics.
• High response rate (90.92%), with data entry, analysis, and reporting based on WHO guidelines.

Key Findings

• Tobacco Use: Prevalence was highest among males (55.8% in males aged 15-64), increasing with age. No female use reported.
• Alcohol Use: Heavy drinking (≥5 drinks/day) was reported by 20.9% of males, with no female involvement.
• Blood Pressure: Systolic and diastolic BP increased with age (e.g., mean SBP 130.7 mmHg for males, 129.2 mmHg for females aged 25-64). Hypertension prevalence was 19.4% for males and 18.0% for females, potentially underestimated due to exclusion of medicated individuals.
• Body Mass Index: Mean BMI was 22.5 in males and 22.3 in females (aged 25-64), indicating no significant overnutrition or underweight issues.

Conclusion
Tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption are major risk factors in the population, increasing with age. While blood pressure and BMI show age-related increases, the prevalence of hypertension suggests a need for targeted interventions.

Recommendations

• Strengthen tobacco control efforts and reduce alcohol consumption, particularly among males.
• Establish a health promotion center to develop and implement education materials for at-risk populations, in collaboration with relevant ministries and institutions.