MUSCAT: The Ministry of Health on Sunday 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 bin Ya’arub bin Qahtan al Busaidy, Adviser in the Private Office.
Dr Ahmed bin Salim al Mandhari, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Health for Planning and Health Regulation, in his speech, emphasised that the survey was conducted in response to a pressing national need.
It aims to provide up-to-date and accurate data reflecting the health status of the country’s population, thereby supporting evidence-based planning and guiding policies and programmes in alignment with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
This, he added, meets regional and international targets, most notably the targets of the third goal of the Sustainable Development Goals, which seeks to reduce premature mortality from noncommunicable diseases.
Dr Hanan Balkhy, Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, in her recorded address from the World Health Organization, emphasised the significance of the survey results and their role in supporting health policies in Oman, in addition to contributing to regional efforts to combat noncommunicable diseases.
Dr Shatha bint Saud al Raisi, Director of the Noncommunicable Diseases Department, Ministry of Health, presented the key findings of the survey, providing a comprehensive overview of the prevalence of risk factors, patterns of health behaviour, future challenges, and opportunities for intervention and prevention.
The survey results regarding tobacco use, both smoked and smokeless, indicated that one in six males currently uses tobacco. Nearly 40 per cent of smokers attempted to quit smoking over the past year. The most commonly consumed forms of smoked tobacco are manufactured cigarettes, pipes, and shisha, while approximately 2 per cent of adult males use electronic cigarettes.
The results also showed that approximately 2 per cent of adult males use smokeless tobacco. Nearly 16 per cent of adults are exposed to secondhand smoke at home, while around 20 per cent are exposed in the workplace. About 90 per cent of Omanis support increasing taxes on tobacco products and roughly 90 per cent also favour prohibiting smoking in open public spaces.
Regarding dietary habits, the survey results indicated that more than 60 per cent of adults do not consume the recommended daily intake of five servings of fruits and vegetables. Over 90 per cent of adults recognise the importance of reducing salt and sugar in their diet, and more than 90 per cent are aware of the health risks associated with high salt and sugar consumption. Approximately 70 per cent of adults use unsaturated oils in food preparation.
The survey results on physical activity indicated that over 25 per cent of adults do not engage in sufficient physical activity, and more than 50 per cent do not participate in recreational exercise.
Regarding hypertension, the findings revealed that one in three adults has high blood pressure, yet only about 30 per cent of those affected were previously aware of their diagnosis.
Of those previously diagnosed, over 80 per cent are taking medication for treatment. Among adults aged 35 and above, approximately 40 per cent are affected by hypertension; two out of every five adults in this age group have hypertension, and similarly, four out of every ten adults aged 35 and above are affected.
The survey results on elevated blood glucose showed that one in seven adults has high blood sugar. Only about 60 per cent of adults with elevated blood glucose were previously aware of their diagnosis, and more than 95 per cent of those previously diagnosed are taking medication for treatment. Among adults aged 35 and above, approximately 20 per cent are affected by high blood glucose; one in five adults in this age group has elevated blood sugar, and two out of every ten adults aged 35 and above are affected.
The survey results on elevated blood cholesterol indicated that one in three adults has high cholesterol. Only about 20 per cent of adults with elevated cholesterol were previously aware of their condition, and approximately 60 per cent of those previously diagnosed are taking medication.
Among adults aged 35 and above, around 30 per cent are affected by high cholesterol, three out of every ten adults in this age group. Furthermore, nearly 40 per cent of adults over 40 have elevated cholesterol, meaning two out of every five adults in this age group are affected.
Overall, the 2025 National Survey on Noncommunicable Diseases concluded that, with regard to risk factors for chronic diseases, approximately 30 per cent of adults have three or more risk factors. In other words, one in three adults is exposed to three or more risk factors for chronic diseases. In addition, over 60 per cent of adults are overweight or obese, and more than 25 per cent of adults are classified as obese.
The Ministry of Health conducted the 2025 National Survey on Noncommunicable Diseases last year, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, across various governorates of Oman. The survey involved extensive participation from national entities and trained teams, following internationally recognised scientific methodologies. As such, the survey represents a national milestone and a fundamental scientific tool to support evidence-based health planning.
The importance of the survey lies in the fact that noncommunicable diseases represent one of the major health, economic and social challenges in Oman. The survey helps provide an accurate understanding of the health landscape, guide health policies, improve services, strengthen early prevention and enhance overall quality of life.
The survey included a nationally representative sample of citizens and residents aged 15 years and above, selected according to scientific criteria to ensure representation of all segments of society.
The total number of participants exceeded 10,000. The survey results highlighted the prevalence of risk factors, patterns of health behaviour, future challenges, and opportunities for intervention and prevention.
This survey constitutes a fundamental pillar in supporting the achievement of Oman Vision 2040 objectives by providing accurate health data that contributes to the development of health policies, strengthens prevention and early detection programmes and improves overall quality of life.
The survey also supports the establishment of a sustainable, evidence-based health system that enhances the efficient allocation of health resources to serve the community’s long-term health needs.
The survey collected a wide range of data according to approved protocols, including demographic information, lifestyle habits, physical activity, nutrition, tobacco use, anthropometric and vital measurements (height, weight, blood pressure), and laboratory medical tests.
The survey results underwent multiple scientific reviews and were validated in collaboration with the WHO. Standardised and internationally recognised measurement tools were used to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the data.
The findings from the survey will be utilised to develop health policies, update national strategies, improve prevention programmes, strengthen primary healthcare services and support government decision-making.
These results will help enhance service quality, guide resource allocation accurately, promote early detection, and advance treatment and follow-up programmes. - ONA
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