Cardiovascular risk factors and non-communicable diseases in Abia state, Nigeria: report of a community-based survey

The purpose of this survey was to determine the burden of non-communicable diseases as well as associated cardiovascular risk factors in the state using the World Health Organization (WHO) steps approach. It is believed that information obtained will provide the basis for policies, plans and programs as well as evolve strategies in designing, implementing and evaluation of appropriate interventions that are geared towards controlling them. The house to house survey was conducted in randomly selected communities in Abia State of Nigeria. Respondents had their biophysical parameters measured: weight, height, waist circumference, hip circumference, pulse rate blood pressure and some biochemical parameters. A suggestion is made for the establishment and strengthening of non-communicable diseases surveillance systems in the state. Surveillance of non-communicable diseases and associated risk factors using the WHO stepwise surveillance for non-communicable diseases should be ongoing in the state and should be conducted every two years.