NCDs risk factors in Türkiye: comparison analysis of WHO STEPS surveys conducted in 2017 and 2023

Abstract Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a main global public health challenge, responsible for 90% of all deaths in the WHO European Region and Türkiye. As many NCD-related deaths are preventable by addressing risk factors, monitoring their prevalence is crucial. Therefore, WHO developed the STEPwise approach to surveillance (STEPS) to collect standardised data on NCD risk factors from a representative sample of the population. Our research aims to compare results of the STEPS surveys conducted in Türkiye in 2017 and 2023. Methods Türkiye carried out STEPS survey in 2017 and 2023. It consists of interviewing, performing a physical examination and taking biological samples from participants. Data analysis was performed with Epi Info/R. Statistical significance was based on non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals. Results Tobacco use increased not significantly from 31.6% (95%CI 29.8-33.4) to 34.8% (33.1-36.5), and alcohol consumption rose from 8.0% (7.0-9.1) to 10.2% (11.2-15.0). The majority of the population (87.9%) continued to consume fewer than the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables. Physical inactivity decreased from 43.6% (41.8-45.4) to 32.1% (30.4-33.9). However, overweight prevalence remained high at 60.9%, while obesity declined from 28.8% (27.3-30.4) to 25.4% (23.8-26.9). Hypertension affected 27.4% of the population, with a significant reduction in untreated cases (57.1% 53.8-60.3 to 44.2% 41.0-47.4). The share of the population underwent faecal occult blood testing increased from 25.5% (22.8-28.2) to 33.7% (30.7-36.0). Conclusions Findings show improvements in physical activity, obesity prevalence, hypertension control and screening. These results may reflect the effectiveness of public health policies and the resilience of healthcare services during the pandemic. Behavioural risk factor trends should also be interpreted in light of the commercial determinants of health. Key messages • Monitoring the prevalence of NCD risk factors using a standardised methodology is crucial for evaluating and guiding effective public health strategies. • Addressing NCD risk factors requires integrating health into all policies and acknowledging the impact of commercial determinants of health.