The modifiable noncommunicable risk factors among an Iranian population

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Risk factors, such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity and smoking play an important role in the high prevalence of NCDs. In this study we assessed the type and prevalence of NCD risk factors among an Iranian adult population. We conducted a cross sectional study of 500 men and 500 women, aged 15-65 years, selected by multi-stage random cluster sampling from urban areas of Isfahan, the second largest city in Iran. The prevalences of 8 risk factors were determined in this study: sedentary lifestyle (47.2%), overweight and obestity (body mass index > or = 25 kg/m2) (60.8%), hypertension (elevated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure) (22%), low high density lipoprotein level (27.6%), high total cholesterol level (16.9%), high triglyceride level (22.1%) and high fasting blood sugar (7.6%). Sedentary life and overweight/obesity were common at all ages, especially among women. Given the high prevalence of NCD risk factors in the studied population, there is an urgent need for age-appropriate interventions to result in lifestyle changes to decrease the prevalence of NCD risk factors.