Burden of noncommunicable diseases in Pakistan

Cases of noncommunicable (NCD) diseases are increasing in Pakistan. They are responsible for 58% of all deaths and information on the risk factors is lacking.

To determine the prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and abnormal heart rate and their risk factors in a multiethnic, low-income area of Lahore.

This was a cross-sectional study conducted in an urban settlement of Lahore in 2018-2019. Eligible participants were aged ≥ 30 years and resident in selected settlements. We used a modified World Health Organization stepwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS) questionnaire to collect data from a random sample of 906 residents. The modified questionnaire had a Cronbach alpha of 80.0%. Participants were interviewed in their homes and their height, weight, heart rate, and hip circumference were measured.

Most of the respondents were women (64.5%). The greatest proportion of the participants were aged 30-39 years (42.4%). Of all the respondents, 40.1% had hypertension, 15.8% had diabetes and 17.0% had ischaemic heart disease. Of the risk factors examined, 68.8% of the respondents were overweight or obese, 37.0% had pre-hypertension, 13.6% used tobacco, and 1.8% used alcohol. Age was the most significant risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. Body mass index was significantly associated with diabetes in women, while family history of diabetes was significantly associated with diabetes in men.

The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was higher among our study participants in Lahore than reported in the national statistics. Significant proportions of the respondents had pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes, making them vulnerable to serious complications of hypertension and diabetes.