The Association Between Sociodemographic Factors and Chronic Disease in Adults in Iraq

Ruya Abdulhadi M. Saeed

doi:10.58709/niujhs.v12i2.2652

Ruya Abdulhadi M. Saeed Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Anbar, Al-Ramadi, Iraq

DOI: https://doi.org/10.58709/niujhs.v12i2.2652

Abstract

Background: Chronic diseases constitute a major public health challenge in Iraq, and their development is influenced by a combination of sociodemographic characteristics and lifestyle-related risk factors.

Aim: To assess the association between sociodemographic factors, lifestyle risk factors, and the prevalence of chronic diseases among adults in Iraq.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 adults. Data were analyzed using SPSS to obtain descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. Sociodemographic variables included age, gender, BMI, residence, social status, number of children, occupation, and education. Risk factors included physical activity, smoking, sleep pattern, phone use, stress, and substance use.

Results: Participants had a mean age of 45 ± 10.97 years. The most prevalent chronic diseases were joint disease (80%), cerebrovascular disease (74%), cardiovascular disease (70.4%), and gastrointestinal disease (66.4%). Significant associations were identified between chronic diseases and several sociodemographic variables including age (p < 0.05), BMI (p < 0.05), education, occupation, and residence. High prevalence of risk factors was observed: smoking (70.4%), low physical activity (49.2% never exercise), evening sleep (89.2%), high stress exposure (72.8%), and frequent intake of coffee/tea (76.4%). These lifestyle behaviors showed strong associations with chronic disease occurrence. Additionally, family history was present in 80% of cases.