Silent Diabetes: Recognizing Symptoms in Young Adults
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Rising Chronic Diseases and Health Risks in Thailand: A National Survey
Table of Contents
Background: The Thai People’s Health Exploring project
The 7th meeting of the Public Health System Research Institute (SWA) in 2015 featured basic research presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr.ruenruedee Patpanich, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital. her research project, “Thai people’s health exploring Project by the 7th Physical examination,” is a unique national survey in Thailand. It combines data collection from interviews, basic physical examinations, and blood and urine tests.
The project collected 24-hour urine samples to analyze sodium consumption, alongside data on health status and various health risk behaviors. A total of 30,057 individuals aged one year or older participated, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the health situation and trends within the thai population. The survey aims to understand the prevalence of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) as well as the risk factors and health behaviors contributing to them.
Key findings: Increasing Prevalence of NCDs
Comparing the 6th and 7th surveys, initial findings reveal a concerning trend: the likelihood of NCDs such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity is increasing.
- Diabetes: Increased from 9.5% to 10.6%, with 27% of those affected unaware of thier condition, particularly among those aged 15-34 years.
- High Blood pressure: Rose from 25.4% to 29.5%.
- Obesity: Increased from 42.2% to 45.0%, with men exhibiting higher rates of obesity than women.
- Mental Health: depression rates increased from 1.7% to 2.1%, with female teenagers being a particularly vulnerable group. This is coupled with an increased risk of substance use, e-cigarette use, and alcohol consumption.
- E-cigarette use: Considerably increased,especially among teenagers aged 15-29 years,rising from 1% to 2.8%, with a substantial increase in e-cigarette use from 3.6% to 8.4%.