Evaluating the Burden of Non-Communicable Diseases in a Tertiary Hospital Setting: A Bangladesh Perspective

In recent times, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have emerged as a significant global public health challenge. Particularly impact in middle- and low-income countries, NCDs is responsible for 74.0% of global deaths, with South Asia, including Bangladesh, experiencing a mortality rate of 77.0%. Amidst an epidemiological transition, Bangladesh is witnessing a shift from infectious to chronic diseases. This study aims to explore the burden of NCDs in a tertiary care setting, offering insights to inform public health interventions and policies. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Sir Salimullah Medical College Mitford Hospital, Dhaka, involving 6698 patients admitted in 2022 (1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022). Data were collected retrospectively from medical records, focusing on patients above 14 years with NCDs. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 24.0. Among 6698 admissions, 42.05% were attributed to NCDs. Females exhibited a higher prevalence (56.37%) than males (43.63%). The age group 41-60 years demonstrated the highest NCD prevalence (37.20%). Major NCDs included hypertension (33.22%), diabetes (25.34%), stroke (17.85%) and cardiovascular diseases (12.14%). NCDs contributed to 88.41% of 164 total deaths, with cardiovascular diseases, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases and malignancies as primary causes. In brief, this study sheds light on the critical challenge posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Bangladesh. With a significant proportion of hospital admissions attributed to NCDs, urgent and targeted interventions are warranted. The observed prominence of NCDs and tha alarming rate of attributed deaths necessitates a shift in healthcare focus. This study's findings emphasize the imperative for innovative approaches, increased resource allocation and heightened awareness campaigns to effectively address the escalating impact of NCDs on both individuals and communities.