Unveiling the Burden of NCDs Among University Students and Associated Risk Factors Using the WHO STEPwise Approach: A Cross-Sectional Study in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background and Aims

The burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is on the rise, even among university students, and is responsible for a high proportion of death and disability worldwide, especially in developing countries. Hence, this study aimed to identify the prevalence and distribution of risk factors for NCDs among university students in Bangladesh.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 460 students from different universities in Bangladesh from October to November 2023 using a validated and structured WHO STEPS Questionnaire.

Results

Of the 460 students, 63.7% were male, and most of the participants belonged to 21–25 years of age. A lower prevalence of smoking (10%) and alcohol consumption (2.8%) was observed among them. More than half of the students were involved in low physical activity ( < 600 metabolic equivalent tasks [MET] minutes/week). Insufficient fruit and vegetable intake (< 5 servings daily) was more prevalent (80%) among the respondents. Approximately two-fifty of the participants were overweight/obese (Body mass index [BMI] ≥ 23 kg/m²). The prevalence of elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, and raised cholesterol was 24.1%, 8%, and 10.2%, respectively. Only 5.2% of students were free from any NCD risk factors, and each student had an average of two risk factors.

Conclusion

The high prevalence of NCD risk factors among undergraduate and graduate university students warrants effective public health strategies to minimize the development of NCDs in their later lives.