Prevalence of non-communicable disease and the associated factors among healthcare workers in Qatar.

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) significantly impact global health and contribute to economic burdens and premature deaths, with healthcare workers (HCWs) being at high risk. This study aims to assess the prevalence and associated factors of NCDs among newly hired HCWs at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar.

Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study analyzed 3097 electronic medical records of newly hired HCWs at HMC during 2021 and 2022. Diagnoses were coded using ICD-10 and SNOMED. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were used, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean age of participants was 31.8 years (SD ± 6.9), with almost equal numbers of males (50.1%) and females (49.9%). Indians made up 36.2%, and 63.9% were married. Professionally, 38% were nurses, 18.8% were physicians, and 11.2% were laboratory professionals. Overall, about one-third (30.9%) of the HCWs had at least one NCD. Diabetes mellitus (11.3%), thyroid disease (9.8%), and hypertension (7.4%) were the most frequent NCDs. Older individuals (≥ 40 years old) have higher comorbidity rates (47%) than younger groups (24%, p < 0.001). Females have higher rates (39.5%) compared to males (22.4%, p < 0.001). Married individuals, nationality, and occupation also significantly influence comorbidity, with administrative staff showing the highest prevalence of NCDs (45.5%, p = 0.011).

Conclusions: Over 30% of the newly hired HCWs had an NCD, with diabetes, thyroid disease, and hypertension being most common. Higher prevalence was observed among older staff, females, married individuals, and administrative workers. Targeted workplace health programs are needed for early detection and prevention.