Muscat: The Ministry of Health today announced the results of the 2025 National Survey on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs) and their associated risk factors. The event was held under the auspices of Sayyid Dr. Sultan Yaarub Al Busaidi, Advisor at the Private Office.
According to Oman News Agency, the ceremony's program included a welcoming speech by Dr. Ahmed Salim Al Mandhari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Planning and Regulation. He emphasized that the survey was conducted in response to a pressing national need, aiming to provide up-to-date and accurate data reflecting the health status of the country's population. This initiative supports evidence-based planning and guides policies and programs in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040, meeting regional and international targets, notably the third goal of the Sustainable Development Goals aimed at reducing premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases.
This was followed by a recorded address from the World Health Organization, delivered by Dr. Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean. She highlighted the significance of the survey results in supporting health policies in Oman and contributing to regional efforts to combat noncommunicable diseases.
Dr. Shatha Saud Al Raisi, Director of the Noncommunicable Diseases Department at the Ministry of Health, presented the key findings of the survey. She provided a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of risk factors, patterns of health behavior, future challenges, and opportunities for intervention and prevention.
The survey findings on tobacco use revealed that one in six males currently uses tobacco, with nearly 40% of smokers attempting to quit in the past year. The most commonly consumed forms of smoked tobacco include manufactured cigarettes, pipes, and shisha, while about 2% of adult males use electronic cigarettes. Approximately 2% of adult males also use smokeless tobacco. Nearly 16% of adults are exposed to secondhand smoke at home, and about 20% are exposed in the workplace. Around 90% of Omanis support increasing taxes on tobacco products and favor prohibiting smoking in open public spaces.
Regarding dietary habits, over 60% of adults do not consume the recommended daily intake of five servings of fruits and vegetables. More than 90% of adults recognize the importance of reducing salt and sugar intake, and about 70% use unsaturated oils in food preparation.
The survey results on physical activity indicated that over 25% of adults do not engage in sufficient physical activity, and more than 50% do not participate in recreational exercise.
Findings on hypertension showed that one in three adults has high blood pressure, with only about 30% previously aware of their diagnosis. Over 80% of those diagnosed are taking medication. Among adults aged 35 and above, approximately 40% are affected by hypertension.
The survey results on elevated blood glucose indicated that one in seven adults has high blood sugar, with about 60% previously aware of their diagnosis. More than 95% of those diagnosed are taking medication. Among adults aged 35 and above, about 20% have elevated blood sugar.
Regarding elevated blood cholesterol, one in three adults has high cholesterol. Only about 20% were previously aware of their condition, and around 60% of those diagnosed are taking medication. Among adults aged 35 and above, about 30% have high cholesterol.
Overall, the survey concluded that approximately 30% of adults have three or more risk factors for chronic diseases. Over 60% of adults are overweight or obese, with more than 25% classified as obese.
The 2025 National Survey on Noncommunicable Diseases, conducted in collaboration with the World Health Organization, involved extensive participation from national entities and trained teams, adhering to internationally recognized scientific methodologies. It represents a national milestone and a fundamental scientific tool to support evidence-based health planning.
The survey, including a nationally representative sample of over 10,000 citizens and residents aged 15 and above, highlighted the prevalence of risk factors and opportunities for intervention and prevention. It supports the achievement of Oman Vision 2040 objectives by providing accurate health data to develop health policies, improve prevention programs, and enhance the quality of life. The survey results underwent multiple scientific reviews and were validated with the World Health Organization, ensuring accuracy and credibility.
The findings will be utilized to develop health policies, update national strategies, improve prevention programs, and support government decision-making. They will enhance service quality, guide resource allocation, promote early detection, and advance treatment and follow-up programs.