Burden of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia in relation to social and behavioral health determinants: Insights from the 2018 Bangladesh STEPS survey

Objectives: Bangladesh is experiencing a significant shift in its epidemiological landscape, moving from a predominance of communicable diseases to an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aims to identify the risk factors for hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia based on the recent STEPS survey in Bangladesh. Study design: Secondary cross-sectional study. Methods: This study analyze the publicly available “National STEPS Survey for Non-communicable Diseases Risk Factors in Bangladesh 2018” dataset. The sample size was 6875, after cleaning the three phases of dataset. Frequency distribution, Spatial distribution, Chi-square test, and Logistic regression models were employed in data analysis. Results: The nationwide prevalence of NCDs revealed 27.3 % for hypertension, 9.8 % for diabetes, and 30.2 % for hypercholesterolemia. The NCDs prevalence significantly varied across divisions in Bangladesh, with Barisal having the highest hypertension (25 %) and Sylhet the lowest (18.1 %). Chittagong led in diabetes prevalence (12.0 %), while Rangpur had the lowest (4.8 %). For hypercholesterolemia, Barisal topped (34.9 %), and Mymensingh had the lowest (20.9 %). The significant risk factors of NCDs included age, occupational status, physical activity, and BMI category. Older age and obesity notably increased significantly (p < 0.05) the odds of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia, while urban residence increased the odds of diabetes. Conclusion: Several factors, mostly age, occupational status, physical activity, and BMI category are responsible for higher prevalence of NCD diseases. The study explores common factors in NCDs and offers regional comparisons, aiding policymakers in focused interventions for specific regions.