2009 National Risk Factors Survey: evolution of the epidemic of chronic non communicable diseases in Argentina. Cross sectional study.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: In Argentina, non-communicable diseases (NCD) account for about 80% of the mortality. The most cost-effective way for their surveillance is through risk factor surveys. In 2009 we conducted the second National Risk Factor Survey (NRFS). OBJECTIVES: To monitor the evolution of the main risk factors of chronic diseases and describe the distribution of major risk factors in subgroups. METHODS: A probabilistic sample was performed, including general urban population (cities with more than 5.000 habitants) aged 18 and over across the country. The main risk factors for chronic diseases were included in the survey. RESULTS: We included 34.372 respondents, with a response rate of 75%. The risk factors at the national level that showed improvement compared with 2005 NRFS were smoking, exposure to second hand smoke, blood pressure measurement, cholesterol measurement, glucose measurement, mammography and Papanicolau. However, obesity, physical inactivity and unhealthy diets increased. Disadvantaged populations (with lower incomes and less education) had worse indicators. CONCLUSIONS: Policies for prevention and control of NCDs should continue to intensify to reverse this epidemic. Further actions will be needed both at environmental and individual levels. The NCDs, given their impact on development and social and health costs, should be highly prioritized into the political and health agendas in our country and globally.