The Centre of Studies & Research (CSR) in the Directorate General of Planning and Studies of the Ministry of Health responsible for conducting the ‘National Survey of Non-Communicable Diseases and their Risk Factors’ announces the completion of the fieldwork component of the survey.

This large survey which had commenced in mid-February consisted of eleven teams – one in each governorate of the Sultanate of Oman. A total of 9053 households of Omani’s and Non-Omani’s identified through advanced epidemiological methods were visited from all over Oman to collect medical information in three steps. Step one comprised a demographic and lifestyle questionnaire whilst step two involved physical examinations such as height, weight, and blood pressure. The final step three included biochemical measurements such as blood glucose, total cholesterol, urine sodium and creatinine levels.

Oman, as in other parts of the world is witnessing an epidemiological shift to Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD). Non-Communicable diseases were responsible for 68% of the total deaths in Oman according to World Health Organization. The main Non-Communicable diseases are Cardiovascular Diseases, Cancer, Diabetes, Chronic Renal diseases and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD). These diseases are a result of a global epidemic of modifiable and preventable behavioural and biological risk factors among the Oman population such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and physical inactivity. Thus, the Ministry of Health aimed to quantify the burden of NCD and their risk factors by conducting this survey in cooperation with the World Health Organization.

This survey will provide accurate data that will help in reducing the burden of the disease and risk factors due to NCD, be used to establish a large national database and registries for these diseases, and be useful in formulating new polices for timely intervention and management of NCD.