STEPS STUDIES TO STUDY NCD RISK FACTORS START IN KAZAKHSTAN
November 17, 2023
On November 20, a national STEPS study will start in Kazakhstan, aimed at studying risk factors for non-communicable diseases among the adult population, organized by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the National Center for Public Health with the support of WHO.
Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are a major health problem for almost every country in the world.
For our country, 4 groups of NCDs are priority (cardiovascular, oncological diseases, respiratory diseases, diabetes), they remain the main cause of disability, morbidity, disability and cause 80% of all cases of premature death in the country. A similar trend is observed throughout the world.
The main causes of these diseases are behavioral risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and excessive alcohol consumption.
The STEPS study aims to study the prevalence and monitoring of NCD risk factors for planning program activities and policies to reduce NCDs in the country.
The national survey in the republic will cover the adult population from 18 to 69 years old. It is planned to visit 3,300 households.
The research will consist of three stages:
• Surveying participants at home to assess behavioral risk factors associated with noncommunicable diseases.
• Carrying out anthropometric measurements, indicators of the cardiovascular system.
• Measurement of biochemical blood parameters (determination of glucose and cholesterol through test strips).
The survey will be conducted by a team of interviewers and medical professionals. Interviewers will measure height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure and heart rate, as well as a rapid blood test for sugar and cholesterol.
Distinctive marks of interviewers and medical workers:
• Official ID/badge with photo and organization seal.
• Appropriate equipment (cap and bags) with the STEPS logo.
Interviewers will visit apartments and households until December 30, 2023.
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan encourages citizens to contribute to the country’s health care and take part in this study.