[Risk factors for non communicable diseases: methods and global results of the CARMEN program basal survey].
BACKGROUND
In the last decades, chronic non communicable diseases are becoming the main cause of disability and mortality among adults. The risk factor surveillance and management is the most efficient mean of reducing the impact of these diseases.


OBJECTIVE
To report the results of a non communicable disease risk factor surveillance program in Valparaiso, Chile.


METHODS
A random samples of people aged 25 to 64 years old living in Valparaiso, Chile was studied. Subjects were questioned about smoking and physical activity habits. Blood pressure, height and weight were measured using standardized techniques at their homes and blood samples were obtained to measure serum lipid levels and oral glucose tolerance test at the nearest outpatient clinic.


RESULTS
Of the initial 3852 homes selected, 752 individuals did no agree to answer the inquiry, therefore 3120 subjects were finally interviewed. Of these, 40.6% were smokers, 15% drank alcohol in two or more occasions per month, 84.6% were physically inactive, 19.7% had a body mass index over 30 kg/m2, 11.1% had high blood pressure, 3.9% were diabetic and 46.9% had high serum cholesterol levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The basal survey for the CARMEN program shows a high prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among Chileans.
Jadue
L
L
Servicio de Salud Valparaíso y San Antonio, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. jaduel@chi.ops-oms.org
Vega
J
J
Escobar
M C
MC
Delgado
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I
Garrido
C
C
Lastra
P
P
Espejo
F
F
Peruga
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002677:Chile / Q000453:epidemiology; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000453:epidemiology; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors