Jigmi Wangdi

The non-communicable disease risk factors have increased among the Bhutanese population in the past 10 years, according to the fifth National Health Survey (NHS) Report, which was launched yesterday.

The increase in consumption of alcohol, tobacco and salt intake, among others, is believed to be the one of the main contributors.

The study captured the healthcare landscape of the country, focusing on multiple indicators.

Health Secretary Pemba Wangchuk said the report was conducted every 10 years to monitor the health trends in the country.

“The current and fifth report 2023, was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the National Statistical Bureau, supported by the development partners. The survey aligns with National priorities such as the end of the 12thPlan and beginning of the 13th Plan,” Secretary Pemba Wangchuk said.

He added that the indicators generated will serve as a baseline to measure where the country is and where it should go.

“Unlike the past surveys which primarily focused on traditional demographic health modules, the fifth report is groundbreaking in scope as it consolidates and integrates 14 health-related services. This is aimed at achieving cost efficiency, reducing respondent survey fatigue and maintaining high standards of data quality,” Pemba Wangchuk said.

The survey covers a wide range of topics such as NCDs, mental health, sexual and reproductive health, child nutrition, disability and violence against women, among others.

It also represents a comprehensive endeavour to gather crucial data and insights into the population’s health status, challenges and opportunities.

“It serves as a compass, guiding our future health policies and interventions,” Secretary Pemba shared.

Key findings from the study

From the multiple indicators, the study was able to find various trends in the health of the Bhutanese population.

The study found that 40.2 percent of men are alcohol consumers, while women consumed 33.3 percent. Similarly, tobacco (smoke and smokeless) use between the ages of 15 to 69 years increased from 25. 2 percent to 34 percent between 2019 and 2023.

The study found that 21.6 percent of men and 6.1 percent of women smoke, while 26.6 percent of men and 12.3 percent of women consume smokeless tobacco.

Tobacco products and alcoholic beverages were the highest substances consumed through screening with 45.6 percent and 51.3 percent respectively.

It was also found that the consumption of areca nuts has also increased. Also, the intake of salt among the Bhutanese population is 8.5 grams per day, which is significantly high compared to the five grams recommended by the World Health Organisation.

Physical inactivity between the ages of 15 to 69 years was also high; 18.3 percent of the survey respondents did not meet the required recommendations, with 22. 3 percent of men and 14.7 percent of women not meeting the recommended physical activity.

The study also found that 42.2 percent of men and 49.2 percent of women are either overweight or obese.

The study was a collaborative effort between MoH, NSB, UNICEF, WHO, ADB, WHO, UNFPA, and WFP, among others.

The study was first conducted in 1984.

Advertisement