Prevalence and determinants of non-communicable diseases risk factors among reproductive-aged women of Bangladesh: Evidence from Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey 2017-2018

IntroductionKnowing the risk factors like hypertension, overweight/obesity, and smoking status among women of reproductive age could allow the development of an effective strategy for reducing the burden of non-noncommunicable diseases (NCD). We sought to determine the prevalence and determinants of NCD risk factors among Bangladeshi women of reproductive age. MethodsThis study utilized the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) data from 2017-2018 and analyzed 5,624 women of reproductive age. This nationally representative cross-sectional survey utilized a stratified, two-stage sample of households. Mixed-effects Poisson regression models were fitted to find the adjusted prevalence ratio for smoking, overweight and obesity, and hypertension. ResultsThe average age of 5,624 participants was 31 years (SD=9.07). The prevalence of smoking, overweight/obesity, and hypertension was 9.55%, 31.57%, and 20.27%, respectively. More than one-third of the participants (34.55%) had one NCD risk factor, and 12.51% of participants had two NCD risk factors. Women between 40-49 years had more NCD risk factors than 18-29 years aged women (APR: 2.44; 95% CI: 2.22-2.68). Women with no education (APR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.00-1.33), married (APR: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.78-3.04), and widowed/divorced (APR: 2.14; 95% CI: 1.59-2.89) were more prevalent in NCD risk factors. Individuals in the Barishal (APR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.28-1.63) division were living with higher risk factors for NCD. Women who belonged to the richest (APR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.60-2.07) wealth quintile were more likely to have the risk factors of NCD. ConclusionsThis study revealed that older women, currently married and widowed/divorced women, women from the wealthiest socio-economic group, and women with a lower level of education were more likely to have NCD risk factors. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the geographical division and NCD risk factors. To reduce the future prevalence of NCD, it is necessary to implement effective prevention and control programs that target women with a higher risk of having the disease.