The association of age and gender with risk factors of noncommunicable diseases among employees in West of Iran

Background: the relationships that age and gender share with risk factors (rfs) of noncommunicable diseases (ncds) were assessed among a large-scale employ in western iran. methods: in this epidemiologic cross-sectional study,7129 employees from kermanshah province were assessed using a census method in 2012. data on rfs of ncd were collected using a standard questionnaire. demographic information,diet,physical activity,tobacco use,and history of hypertension,history of diabetes,cardiovascular diseases,osteoporosis,and cancer were studied. results: the proportion of ≥5 servings of fruits and vegetables consumption per day was lower in higher ages (p = 0.001),and this proportion was greater in females than males (72.1% vs. 47.8%; p < 0.0001). tobacco use was more in higher ages and was higher among males than females (13.3% vs. 0.6%; p < 0.0001). overweight and obesity prevalence increased in higher ages and was more prominent among males than females (67.8% vs. 55.3%; p < 0.0001). overall,the prevalence of having 3-5 rfs was greater among those with ≥55 years and among males than females (20.4% vs. 6.6%; p < 0.0001). conclusions: the prevalence of major rfs of ncds was greater among older persons and male participants. more preventive programs such as health education on employees of kermanshah are recommended. © 2017 international journal of preventive medicine.