Socioeconomic inequalities in the risk factors of noncommunicable diseases (hypertension and diabetes) among Bangladeshi population: Evidence based on population level data analysis

Abstract

Background Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension and diabetes are among the most fatal disease and prevalent among the adult population worldwide, including Bangladesh, and pose a public health threat. Understanding the socioeconomic inequalities linked to NCD risk factors can aid in the development of effective strategies to reduce the disease’s recurrence. However, the literature on socioeconomic inequalities in hypertension and diabetes prevalence in Bangladesh is scant. Therefore, this study seeks to assess the inequality in hypertension and diabetes prevalence and to identify factors that may contribute to socioeconomic inequalities in Bangladesh. Methods The current study incorporated data from a recent round of Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS 2017–18). The age-standardized prevalence rates of hypertension and diabetes were reported, and the log-binomial regression technique was used to identify the relevant confounders. Additionally, socioeconomic inequalities were quantified using a regression-based decomposition technique in which the concentration index (CIX) and Concentration curve were produced to determine the socioeconomic factors contributing to inequality. Results Hypertension and diabetes were shown to have an age-standardized prevalence of (11.29% 95% CI: 11.13–11.69) and (36.98% 95% CI: 36.79–37.16), respectively. Both hypertension and diabetes were shown to be pointedly linked to the respondents’ age, wealth status, being overweight or obese, and a variety of respondents’ administrative divisions (p <0.001). In Bangladesh, household wealth status accounted for approximately 25.71% and 43.41% of total inequality in hypertension and diabetes, respectively. While BMI played a significant role in the emergence of inequality, the corresponding percentages for diabetes and hypertension are 4.95 and 83.38, respectively. In addition, urban areas contributed 4.56% inequality to increase diabetes among Bangladeshi inhabitants while administrative region contributed 4.76% of the inequality of hypertension. Conclusion A large proportion of Bangladesh’s adult population suffers from hypertension and diabetes. It is critical to recognize the value of equity-based initiatives in order to optimize the benefit-risk ratio and cost effectiveness of preventive health programmes. Integrating equity considerations into interventions is critical for policies and programmes to achieve their objectives. As a result, these findings can be taken into account when making existing and prospective policy decisions, as well as following its progression with economic development of Bangladesh.

A Comprehensive Review on Trends and Patterns of Non-communicable Disease Risk Factors in India

“…For instance, research conducted in Saudi Arabia revealed that lower education levels were linked to a higher prevalence of NCD risk factors, including tobacco use, inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, low levels of physical activity, overweight/obesity, and hypertension [38]. Similarly, findings from a study in Bangladesh underscored the significant role of household wealth status in determining the overall risk of hypertension and diabetes, with lower SES individuals exhibiting notably lower prevalence rates of these NCD risk factors [39]. Numerous studies across different countries have consistently highlighted the association between SES and NCD risk factors, emphasizing the imperative for targeted interventions to mitigate disparities among various socioeconomic groups [40][41][42].…”

Prevalence and major risk factors of non-communicable diseases: a machine learning based cross-sectional study

“…Individuals in higher socio-economic groups living in urban settings have a higher prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity than non-manual workers [48]. In Bangladesh, according to Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS 2017-18), wealth status contributed approximately 25.71 % and 43.41 % of total inequality in hypertension and diabetics, respectively [49,50].…”

Health Promotion Interventions for Reducing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Developing Countries: a case study of India

“…Health systems need to be strengthened to provide people with the care they need. This can involve building new healthcare facilities, training healthcare workers, and improving the supply chain for medicines and medical supplies (Rahman, 2022). Another important health promotion intervention is improving the availability of healthy food.…”