Related Experiment Videos
[Risk factors for non communicable diseases: methods and global results of the CARMEN program basal survey]
1Servicio de Salud Valparaíso y San Antonio, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. jaduel@chi.ops-oms.org
Background:
In the last decades, chronic non communicable diseases are becoming the main cause of disability and mortality among adults. The risk factor surveillance and management is the most efficient mean of reducing the impact of these diseases.
Aim:
To report the results of a non communicable disease risk factor surveillance program in Valparaiso, Chile.
Material And Methods:
A random samples of people aged 25 to 64 years old living in Valparaiso, Chile was studied. Subjects were questioned about smoking and physical activity habits. Blood pressure, height and weight were measured using standardized techniques at their homes and blood samples were obtained to measure serum lipid levels and oral glucose tolerance test at the nearest outpatient clinic.
Results:
Of the initial 3852 homes selected, 752 individuals did no agree to answer the inquiry, therefore 3120 subjects were finally interviewed. Of these, 40.6% were smokers, 15% drank alcohol in two or more occasions per month, 84.6% were physically inactive, 19.7% had a body mass index over 30 kg/m2, 11.1% had high blood pressure, 3.9% were diabetic and 46.9% had high serum cholesterol levels.
Conclusions:
The basal survey for the CARMEN program shows a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Chileans.