Prevalence of non-communicable diseases by age, gender and nationality in publicly funded primary care settings in Qatar

Abstract

BackgroundIn Qatar, as with other countries, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have been the leading cause of death. This study aims to describe the prevalence of four NCDs clusters (cardiovascular diseases (coronary heart disease, stroke and peripheral vascular disease), cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and type 2 diabetes (T2DM)) by age, gender and nationality (Qataris and non-Qataris) accessing publicly funded primary care services to inform healthcare planning and strategies.MethodsCross-sectional study design was used. Data for individuals aged ≥18 and who visited a publicly funded primary health centre in Qatar during 2017 were extracted from electronic medical records and analysed.ResultsThe findings showed that approximately 16.2 % of the study population (N = 68 421) had one or more of the four NCDs. The prevalence of NCDs showed an increasing trend with increasing age. Highest increases in the prevalence of NCDs were seen in a relatively young age group (30–49 years). The prevalence of all NCDs except cancers was higher in men. Prevalence rates of CHD and cancers in the study were found to be similar in both Qataris and non-Qataris; however, COPD and T2DM rates were higher in Qataris compared with non-Qataris. T2DM accounted for the highest prevalence of any NCD among both Qataris (230/1000) and non-Qataris (183/1000).ConclusionsAlthough not comprehensive and nationally representative, this study is suggestive of a higher prevalence of NCDs among a younger population, men and in Qatari, Western Asian, Southern Asian, Sub-Saharan Africans, South-Eastern Asians Northern African and Western European nationalities. Prevention, treatment and control of NCDs and their risk factors are a public health problem in Qatar, and resources need to be invested towards targeted interventions with a multisectoral approach.

Prevalence of polypharmacy and the association with non-communicable diseases in Qatari elderly patients attending primary healthcare centers: A cross-sectional study

“…Such inconsistencies among study findings could be explained by differences in physicians' prescribing approaches toward genders as well as to differences between genders and their health-seeking behaviors. Consistent with another study in Qatar [23], the prevalence of almost all of the NCDs we studied, except for cardiovascular diseases, was higher in females than in males.…”

“…The elderly population in the State of Qatar is also increasing due to public health initiatives and improved healthcare services across the country [22]. Associated with aging is the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which necessitate the need for medication therapy [23,24]. Therefore, investigating the prevalence of polypharmacy and its association with NCDs is crucial to implement measures that promote the rational use of medication.…”

Patterns and trends of hospital mortality due to non-communicable diseases and injuries in Tanzania: a 10- year retrospective analysis

“…The ndings of this study indicate that most of the deaths due to NCD and injuries affected the young adult group and males. Similar ndings have been reported elsewhere [45]. It has been described that as age increases one becomes more exposed to the risk factors for long periods until the complications develop and hence experiences the clinical syndromes of NCDs [46].…”

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in primary health settings in Qatar: a cross sectional study

“…These findings are in line with a study that reported on the prevalence of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in primary care settings in Qatar. NCDs, which are outcomes of MetS components, were more prevalent in men compared to women [20]. However in the European population, MetS was more prevalent in women (32.1%) compared to men (19.9%) [29].…”

“…In Qatar, prevalence of MetS components is significantly higher compared to other countries. It is estimated 23% of Qataris and 18.3% non-Qataris have T2DM [20]. Prevalence of obesity rates in Qatar ranks fifth globally and is estimated to be 44% in men and 54.7% in women [21].…”