Prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, multimorbidity, and related risk factors among adult Gambians: a cross-sectional nationwide study.

backgroundAs countries progress through economic and demographic transition, chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) overtake a previous burden of infectious diseases. We investigated the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and multimorbidity in older adults in The Gambia.

methodsWe embedded a survey on NCDs into the nationally representative 2019 Gambia National Eye Health Survey of adults aged 35 years or older. We measured anthropometrics, capillary blood glucose, and blood pressure together with sociodemographic information, personal and family health history, and information on smoking and alcohol consumption. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure of 140 mmHg or more, diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg or more, or receiving treatment for hypertension. Diabetes was defined as fasting capillary blood glucose of 7 mmol/L or more, random blood glucose of 11·1mmol/L or more, or previous diagnosis or treatment for diabetes. Overweight was defined as BMI of 25-29·9 kg/m

findingsWe analysed data from 9188 participants (5039 [54·8%] from urban areas, 6478 [70·5%] women). The prevalence of hypertension was 47·0%; 2259 (49·3%) women, 2052 (44·7%) men. The prevalence increased with age, increasing from 30% in those aged 35-45 years to over 75% in those aged 75 years and older. Overweight and obesity increased the odds of hypertension, and underweight reduced the odds. The prevalence of diabetes was 6·3% (322 [7·0%] women, 255 [5·6%] men), increasing from 3·8% in those aged 35-44 years to 9·1% in those aged 65-75 years, and then declining. Diabetes was much more common among urban residents, especially in women (peaking at 13% by age 65 years). Diabetes was strongly associated with BMI and wealth index. The prevalence of obesity was 12·0% and was notably higher in women than men (880 [20·2%] vs 170 [3·9%]). Multimorbidity was present in 932 (10·7%), and was more common in women than men (694 [15·9] vs 238 [5·5]). The prevalence of smoking was 9·7%; 5 (0·1%) women, 889 (19·3%) men. Alcohol consumption in the past year was negligible.

interpretationWe have documented high levels of NCDs and associated risk factors in Gambian adults. This presents a major stress on the country's fragile health system that requires an urgent, concerted, and targeted mutisectoral strategy.

fundingThe Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust and Wellcome Trust.