A Cross-Sectional Survey on Non-Communicable Diseases and Risk Factors in the Senegalese Army

Background: The non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a public health priority. The objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence and to assess the risk factors of NCDs among the Senegalese military population to initiate an intervention program. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2014. Two-level stratification was used to sample participants. Data were collected following the protocol recommended by the World Health Organization. Data were managed using Epi-Info 6 software and analyzed using R software. Results: A total of 1224 participants were recruited, of whom 96.9% were men. Their ages ranged from 25 to 60 years with a mean of 39.7 ± 9.2 years. Of participants, 17.2% were active smokers. Average duration of active smoking was 19.9 ± 9 years. The prevalence of current alcohol consumption was 11.5%, with an average of 4 ± 2.7 glasses a day. 97.17% of participants consumed fewer than 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. 18.63% had insufficient physical activity. The overall prevalence of high blood pressure was 26.9%. The proportion of those who were overweight was 27.2%; 3.3% were obese. 3.0% of participants had diabetes and 44.1% had hypercholesterolemia. After adjusting for waist circumference, the risk of high cholesterol was 2.42 in the 35 - 44 age group and 2.86 in the 45 - 60 age group in comparison with the 25 - 34 age group. 32% were classified as having stage 2 chronic kidney. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate the importance of risk factors for NCDs in the Senegalese military population. Intervention based on prevention and health promotion is needed.