Prevalence, spatial pattern, and predictors of cardiovascular and chronic diseases: A cross-sectional study

Aim: To analyze the prevalence, spatial pattern, and predictors of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic health conditions (CHCs) in Afghanistan. Subject and Methods: This cross-sectional study of 3,956 adults aged 18-69, using population-based data from the World Health Organization's STEPwise Approach to Surveillance (STEPS) survey. The study determined the single and group prevalence of noncommunicable diseases based on sociodemographic and location characteristics. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association between physical activity levels and non-communicable diseases. Results: The prevalence rates for CVD, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol were 8.90%, 42.60%, 32.40%, 7.99%, and 11.87%, respectively. The prevalence of CVD increased with age and was notably higher among men, rural residents, and Zabul province. The prevalence of chronic conditions also increased with age, with higher rates among women and urban residents varying across different provinces. Spatial analysis showed a hotspot of CVD in the southern region, while other chronic diseases were clustered in the northern region. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that moderate occupational physical activity (PA) is linked to an increased risk of CVD and high cholesterol levels while being inversely associated with obesity. In contrast, moderate leisure-related PA is positively associated with obesity. Vigorous leisure-related PA, on the other hand, is linked to a decreased risk of CVD, obesity, and high cholesterol levels, while being positively associated with hypertension. Conclusion: Findings provide valuable insights for healthcare providers and health coaches to design interventions to reduce the burden of CVD and CHCs for specific groups.