STEPS: prevalence of noncommunicable disease risk factors in the Republic of Moldova, 2021

Overview

Noncommunicable diseases (‎NCDs)‎ represent a major threat to human and economic development. The burden imposed by NCDs could be lessened by reducing their leading behavioural and metabolic risk factors. The national household survey on the prevalence of NCD risk factors was conducted in the Republic of Moldova in 2021 using the WHO-approved standardized STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (‎STEPS)‎. The purpose of the survey was to determine the current prevalence of common modifiable risk factors among the country’s population; to evaluate trends in comparison to the results and findings of the 2013 STEPS survey; and to contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of the various national programmes in the area of NCD prevention and control. The survey was a population-based survey of adults aged 18–69 years and performed in three steps comprising a questionnaire, physical measurements and biochemical measurements. A three-stage cluster sampling process was carried out to select participants from among the target population in such a way as to be nationally representative. The current prevalence of NCD risk factors among the adult population of the Republic of Moldova, both overall and in eight age/sex groups and in rural/urban areas of residence, is presented in the report.