Trends in the prevalence of risk factors of noncommunicable diseases between 1987 and 1999

The trends in the prevalence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, overweight and smoking among Lithuanian rural population were assessed from 1987 to 1999. Three independent surveys in 1987, 1993 and 1999 were carried out in five rural regions of Lithuania in random samples of men and women aged 25\u9664 involving 2695, 1550 and 1838 persons respectively. The risk factors were defined according to the WHO criteria. During the 13 years the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and overweight has significantly decreased among men (by 23.2% and 4.9% respectively) as well as among women (by 19.9% and 10.7% respectively). The prevalence of hypertension among women has decreased by 9.1%, with no significant changes among men. The prevalence of smoking has increased by 8.9% among women and has not changed among men. Age was positively correlated with the prevalence of all risk factors, except smoking. Younger persons smoked more often than elderly did. Prevalence of risk factors varied by educational level. Hypertension and overweight have been more prevalent among women with incomplete secondary education, than among those with university education. The prevalence of overweight and hypercholesterolaemia has been higher among highly educated men compared to low educated. The inverse relationship between smoking and education has been observed in men. In conclusion, the decreasing trends in the prevalence of some risk factors have been estimated in Lithuania within last decade. Sociodemographic differences in the prevalence of risk factors should be taken into account while developing health promotion and diseases prevention programmes