Risk factors for non-communicable diseases among adults in Vietnam: Findings from the Vietnam STEPS Survey 2015

Background
The burden of mortality from non-communicable diseases (NCDs) continues to rise, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, including Vietnam. The modifiable lifestyle factors that may help reduce this burden need to be thoroughly evaluated. Thus, in 2015, we conducted a National Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey among Vietnamese adults to evaluate the distribution of five major risk factors for NCDs, including smoking, alcohol use, overweight, hypertension, and diabetes.

Methods
The standardized World Health Organization STEPwise approach was used across all 63 provinces/cities of Vietnam and involved 3,758 participants aged 18–69 years.

Results
Over half of the men were current smokers (50.6%), although smoking was less common among women (1.5%). Likewise, most men were current drinkers (77.2%) while women who were current drinkers accounted for only 11.1%. Overweight and hypertension were present, respectively, in 15.6% and 18.9% of participants. Nearly all men had at least one risk factor (91.8%) and over half of the men had 2 or more risk factors (57.8%) (compared with only 36.9% and 9%, respectively, in women).

Conclusion
Having one or more risk factors was more likely among individuals who were male, older, or less educated. The findings from this study should serve as the basis of policy and prevention strategies for improving the health behaviours of Vietnamese people.