Screening Results of Non-communicable Diseases in Adults and Elderly People Living in the Rural Area: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence, risk, and cancer screening results of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the province of Antalya, Turkey. Materials and Methods: The sample in this cross-sectional descriptive study included 441 volunteers (universe 3841) aged >40 years living in four rural areas in Antalya. The questionnaire used in the study was divided into three parts: descriptive characteristics, Finnish Diabetes Risk Score (FINDRISK), depression risk questionnaire, and cancer screening sections. Results: In total, 91.6% of the participants were aged ≥45 years, and at least one in 50.3% had a chronic disease. According to FINDRISK, 23.8% were in high, and 7.9% were in a very high risk group, 34.5% were slightly overweight, 56.2% were obese, and 26.7% had metabolic syndrome (MS). In total, 22.2% of the individuals were at a risk of depression. In cancer screenings, 32.1% of the women underwent mammography in the past 2 years, 33.6% underwent breast self-examination, and 60.3% underwent cervical cancer screening in the last 5 years. It was determined that 17.2% of participants underwent immunochemical fecal occult blood test. Conclusion: It was observed that approximately one-third of the participants are under risk in term of hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Compared with previous studies, screening rates have increased in recent years, but they are not at the desired level. There is a need to promote encouraging practices for individuals living in rural areas aimed at prevention of NCDs, screening, and effective management of these diseases.

Keywords

• non-communicable diseases
• risk factors
• screening
• rural area
• turkey.