Prevalence of Behavioral Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases and Related Socio-Economic Factors in Iranian Military Households

Understanding the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases and the extent of socio-economic factors affecting their occurrence is very important in order to plan to reduce the burden of disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of socio-economic factors on exposure to behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Military Households.

This research is an applied study that was performed cross-sectionally on 1204 families of the Armed Forces participating in the National Survey of Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases in Iran (STEPS). The data collection tool was a questionnaire adapted from a standard questionnaire (non-communicable disease care system questionnaire in the Islamic Republic of Iran). Data analysis was performed using estimation of logistic regression models using Excel and STATA software.

The prevalence of smoking, unhealthy diet, and sedentary lifestyle in Iranian military households were 5.7%, 34%, and 58.6%. The probability of smoking among middle-aged people (45-59 years) was 2.19 times higher than the elderly (60 years old) (P=0.016). The probability of unhealthy diet in illiterate people was significantly 2.13 times higher than those with diploma and university education (P<0.001). The probability of sedentary lifestyle in women was significantly 1.77 times higher than men (P<0.001), 1.34 times higher in those with undergraduate degrees (P<0.033), and in unemployed people 2.07 times higher than retirees (P<0.033).

The results of this study showed that to address health challenges and reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases, attention to the socio-economic status of households, and reduce socio-economic inequalities of households should be considered along with controlling the risk factors for non-communicable diseases.