Prevalence and distribution of selected risk factors for non-communicable diseases in Ghana

Introduction Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevalence is on the rise in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), including Ghana. The increasing prevalence is primarily due to shifts in modifiable risk factors. Although global studies have explored NCD prevalence and associated factors, nationally representative evidence in Ghana remains limited. This study therefore aimed to determine the prevalence of selected NCDs and key behavioural and metabolic risk factors in GhanaMethodology This study analysed data from the 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (STEPS). A total of 5,775 participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique based on the 2021 Population and Housing Census. Data were collected using the WHO eSTEPS platform, which facilitated real-time quality control, and analysed using STATA version 17, applying methods appropriate for complex survey designs.Results Findings revealed low mean consumption of fruit (0.8 servings) and vegetable (2.7 servings), with 14.9% of participants reporting physical inactivity, 22.6% consuming alcohol, and 4.8% using tobacco. Within the previous 12 months, 8.9% had been diagnosed with hypertension, 1.9% with diabetes, and 1% with high cholesterol. Tobacco uses significantly increased the odds of hypertension (AOR = 2.00; 95% CI [1.55, 2.57]) and diabetes (AOR = 1.72 95% CI [1.03,2.86]), while high physical activity reduced hypertension risk by 29% (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI [0.55, 0.93]).Conclusion Although diabetes and hypertension prevalence were relatively low, the association with behavioural risk factors underscores the need for targeted screening of high-risk groups and strengthened policies promoting healthy lifestyles to further reduce the burden of NCDs in Ghana.