Gaps in Community-Based Screening for Non-Communicable Diseases in Saudi Arabia.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of mortality globally and in Saudi Arabia.
• Despite free preventive services, screening uptake remains low.
• Community-based campaigns aim to improve engagement and early detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• Describe demographic and clinical characteristics of participants in community NCD screening.
• Evaluate screening uptake, compliance, and diagnostic outcomes.
• Identify undiagnosed NCDs in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 3106 adults screened between January 2023 and December 2024.
• Screening included anthropometrics, blood pressure, glucose, and eligibility for osteoporosis and cancer screening.
• Uptake and compliance verified via electronic health records; descriptive and inferential statistics applied.

Main Results:

• Participants: 64% male, 36% female, mean age 41.4 years.
• Prevalence: 32% obesity, 31% hypertension, 12% diabetes.
• Uptake varied: DEXA 51%, FIT 47%, Pap smear 43%, mammography 39%.
• Undiagnosed disease: 41% osteoporosis, 5% FIT positivity, 3% abnormal Pap, 19% BI-RADS 0 mammograms.

Conclusions:

• Community campaigns effectively increase engagement and detect undiagnosed NCDs.
• Improvements needed in referral tracking, follow-up, and culturally tailored health education.
• Results can inform public policy for expanded screening and investment in preventive health.