SAMPLE SURVEY OF THE PREVALENCE OF NONСOMMUNICABLE DISEASES RISK FACTORS IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS: STATISTICAL ASPECT

In this article the first experience of carrying out the sample survey of prevalence of nonсommunicable diseases risk factors (STEPS-survey) in the Republic of Belarus is analyzed. The essence of STEPS-survey as the main tool recommended by the WHO for epidemiological monitoring of NCD risk factors is revealed, its advantages over other similar examinations are noted.

The authors consider in detail the methodological issues of forming the volume and design of a sample survey based on international experience in this field using a combination of different methods of selection. Within the framework of the problems under study a scheme for constructing a representative sample within each region of the country by strata (urban / rural areas) is provided. Special attention is paid to the probabilities of inclusion of sampling units in the sample and to the weighing procedures. The article also presents brief results of the study, as well as proposals for improving the monitoring of risk factors for non-communicable diseases in the country.

Applying the method of a multistage cluster sampling, 5760 respondents aged 18-69 years were selected; they were equivalently distributed by age, sex and region of residence in the Republic of Belarus; 5010 (87.0%) of them participated in the STEPS survey. Almost half of men (47.8%) and one third of women (33.7%) aged 18-69 had three or more behavioral NCD risk factors. At that, the number of respondents with a high NCD risk was almost twice as high in older age groups.

The STEPS conclusions can serve as a baseline for assessing the efficiency of the implemented actions aimed at reducing prevalence of the NCD risk factors. Analysis and interpretation of the STEPS data will enable to improve epidemiological surveillance over NCDs, and to strengthen the set of measures to combat the most common NCDs.

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