The Prevalence of Risk Factors of Non-communicable diseases in Fars Province

Background: Although a significant success has been achieved in prevention and control of non-communicable chronic diseases, the incidence and prevalence of these diseases have significantly increased. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable chronic diseases in Fars Province, in 2008. Methods: Using the database of the Iranian Post Company, selected samples were recruited systematically by using multi-stage cluster sampling method (50 clusters of people, each cluster consisted of 20 persons totally 920 individuals) from the whole province. Selected individuals were approached in designated days and related questionnaires were filled. Data entering were done using the EPI-info version 6 software and were analyzed using the STATA version 10. Results: Obesity was seen in 20.3% and 9.4% of the female and male participants. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was estimated to be 120.8 and 75.3 mmHg. Daily intake of fruit and vegetables was 1.3 and 1.2 servings. And 14.1% of the participants were cigarette smokers. Conclusion: We conclude that risk factors of non-communicable chronic disease are not equally distributed in men and women. Overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, and inactivity are more prevalent in women, while smoking and high blood pressure are more prevalent in men.