Situation of physical activity in the prevention of non-communicable diseases in Bhutan: challenges and the way forward

Abstract

Bhutan is a lower-income–middle-income country in the Himalayas, between India and China. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death and premature mortality in Bhutan, accounting for 69% and 71% of all deaths in 2014 and 2019, respectively. Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) identified physical activity as a key strategy to reduce the burden of NCDs, with rapid urbanisation, motorised transportation, and rural–urban migration, people are adapting to sedentary lifestyles, inflating the incidence of NCDs in the country. The increasing incidence of NCDs exerts a burden on the human and financial resource constraints in the health system in Bhutan.In this view point, we report evidence-based benefits of physical activity for health promotion, primary prevention of NCDs and health benefits for individuals living with NCDs. We also briefly assess the situation of physical activity in Bhutan. Then, shortcomings of existing NCDs prevention programmes are discussed along with opportunities and ways forward to effectively implementing physical activity to harness the benefits of physical activities.

Trends in behavioral and biological risk factors for non-communicable diseases among adults in Bhutan: results from cross-sectional surveys in 2007, 2014, and 2019

“…In Bhutan, the decrease in current tobacco use may be attributed to tobacco demand reduction measures (total ban on tobacco sales, ban on tobacco advertising, and sponsorship) ( 29 , 30 ), high compliance with health protection measures for non-smokers ( 29 ), and possibly changes in social norms (perception that tobacco use is a sin) ( 31 ). Decreases in low physical activity values may be attributed to the “implementation of community-wide public education and awareness campaigns for physical activity” ( 3 , 29 ), the creation of open-air gyms, bicycle and hiking pathways, pedestrian days, and annual physical activity activities ( 32 ). Early diagnosis and better management of diabetes and elevated total cholesterol may have contributed to their reduction ( 3 ).…”