Trends in Behavioral and Biological Non-Communicable Diseases Risk Factors among Adults in Mongolia: Results from National Cross-Sectional Surveys in 2005, 2009, 2013 and 2019

Abstract

Background: Understanding national trends in noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors may have health policy implications. We aimed to evaluate trends in the prevalence and correlates of eight risk factors for NCD from 2005 to 2019 in Mongolia. Methods: Cross-sectional data were analyzed from 9,356 individuals (15-64/69 yr, mean age=37.3 yr) who participated in the Mongolia STEPS 2005, 2009, 2013 or 2019 surveys and had complete measurement of the risk factor for NCD. Results: The proportion of having 3-8 NCD risk factors significantly decreased from 59.1% in 2005 to 49.4% in 2019, and the mean number of NCD risk factors significantly decreased from 2.8 in 2005 to 2.6 in 2019. In linear regression analyses by study year, older age and male sex were across all study years positively associated with eight NCD risk factors. The prevalence of low physical activity increased from 8.2% in 2005 to 28.4% in 2019, overweight/obesity from 49.6% in 2005 to 64.0% in 2019, and raised total cholesterol from 23.9% in 2005 to 27.6% in 2019, there was a significant decrease in inadequate fruit and vegetable intake from 85.1% in 2005 to 79.5% in 2019, current smoking from 26.6% in 2005 to 24.1% in 2019, hypertension from 28.2% in 2005 to 23.2% in 2019, while the prevalence of diabetes remained unchanged from 2005 to 2019. Conclusion: The prevalence of eight risk factors for NCD decreased in the last 15 years in Mongolia. Several associated variables for eight and individual NCD risk factors were identified that can help guide interventions.