Selected non-communicable diseases prevalence and factors in Omanis Aged 35-39 years: South Sharqiyah screening program 2023-2024.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, obesity, elevated blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and reduced kidney function, and identify their associated factors, among Omanis aged 35-39 years in South Sharqiyah during 2023-2024.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in all primary health centers in South Sharqiyah Governorate during 2023-2024. Data were obtained from the Shifa 3+ electronic health system and screening registration forms. Eligible participants were Omani residents aged 35-39 years who attended the national non-communicable disease (NCD) screening program. Individuals were excluded with diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, or pregnancy up to 6 months postpartum. The primary outcomes were hyperglycemia, elevated blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and reduced kidney function. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of two or more chronic conditions. Prevalence was reported with 95% confidence intervals, and associations were assessed using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 31.0.10.

RESULTS

The median age of the study population was 37.0 years (interquartile range, 36.0-38.0), and 58.3% were female. Hypercholesterolemia was the most prevalent condition (47.0%), followed by obesity (40.6%), elevated blood pressure (14.1%), hyperglycemia (5.0%), and reduced kidney function (0.1%). Significant associations were found between high waist circumference and obesity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 6.6), family history of diabetes and hyperglycemia (aOR = 2.772), hyperglycemia and elevated blood pressure (aOR = 2.734), and male sex and hypercholesterolemia (aOR = 1.803). Multimorbidity was present in 23.8% of participants and was associated with male sex and family history of dyslipidemia. The most common multimorbidity pattern was the co-occurrence of hypercholesterolemia and obesity.

CONCLUSION

NCDs and multimorbidity were common in the study population. These findings highlight the importance of continued attention to early detection and the prevention of NCDs among this group.