Prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors in Eritrea.

Objective: To establish the baseline prevalence rates for non-communicable disease risk factors in Eritrea.

Study Design: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among all the ethnic groups in Eritrea with the WHO STEPwise approach. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure > or = 140/90 mm Hg or a person on medication for hypertension, while diabetes based on medical history of the disease.

Prevalence of tobacco use in Eritrea: results from a noncommunicable disease risk factor survey.

The prevalence of noncommunicable diseases in Eritrea is increasing. Tobacco use is a recognized risk factor for most of these diseases, especially cardiovascular disease. No data have been published on tobacco use in Eritrea.