Poor diet, obesity, and tobacco use identified as leading NCDs risks in Ghana

A nationwide survey has identified tobacco use, poor diets, and obesity as critical risk factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Ghana.

The survey found that tobacco use, harmful alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, poor diets, obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, high cholesterol, cervical cancer, and issues affecting oral and mental health are contributing to the rise of NCDs in the country.

The study revealed that many women in Ghana do not meet the World Health Organisation's recommended physical activity levels, with a low level of vigorous and recreational physical activity among the adult population.

"Many more women are not meeting the WHO recommended physical activity level for health. There is a low level of vigorous and recreational physical activity among the adult population. Overweight and obesity are prevalent among the adult population.

"Hypertension is common among the population. There are high levels of impaired blood glucose. There are high levels of elevated total cholesterol among the population cardiovascular disease (CVDs) risk is high among the adult population. A high number of people have 3 or more of the combined risk factors for CVDs", the study noted.

Additionally, the survey highlighted gaps in physical activity, with 14.6% of women and 5.5% of men not meeting the recommended guidelines.

It also found that more than half of individuals with hypertension are unaware of their condition, and a significant percentage of women and men are overweight.

Alarmingly, a large number of women have never been screened for cervical cancer, indicating a lack of preventive health services in the country.

The National STEPS Survey, conducted in 2023 by the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, aimed to provide baseline data to inform strategies for combating NCDs in Ghana.

By reducing risk factor exposure, enhancing early detection, and improving NCD management, the country hopes to lower morbidity, mortality rates and strengthen its health system to support NCD prevention and control.

NCDs pose a significant health and development challenge in the 21st century, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

According to the World Health Organisation, NCDs are responsible for 41 million deaths globally each year, with 85% of these premature deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

JKB/MA

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