Abstract

A series of National Household Health Surveys (NHHS) reported the occurrence of epidemiological transition caused by demographic transition and prolonged economical diversity, Communicable diseases are still prevalent, followed by the emergence of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs), which are due to an increasing level of behavior risk factors in the population. In the NHHS 2001, a morbidity survey collected information about behavioral risk indicators, whereas the WHO'S STEPwise approach was one of the study instruments. The 'WHO Step 1 questionnaire' was adapted with some modifications. Samples of NHHS, morbidity survey was sub-sample of module sample of National Social Economic Survey (NSES) 2001. A sample of 15,148 people aged 10 years+ were analyzed to identify their behavior regarding smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity. These findings are a representation of the national figures, which were presented by characteristics of the population such as: sex, age, residence, region and economic status. Economic status was divided into 5 strata, which were calculated from a quintile of household expenditure. The results showed that 29.7% of the population aged 10 years+ are daily smokers. This is more prevalent in males than females (58.9% vs. 3.7%). This behavior increases by age group, except for the oldest; there are slightly more smokers in rural areas than urban areas (31% vs. 28%), and no difference among regions (30-31%). Those with better economic status are less likely to smoke than poorer ones. Alcohol consumption is reportedly very low (2.7%), more prevalent in males than females (4.9% vs. 0.8%), and higher in rural areas than urban areas (3.1% vs. 2.1%). Eastern Indonesia, was higher than Sumatra, Java and Bali (6.3%, 4.7%, and 1.2% respectively). There were no differences in alcohol consumption according to economic status'.' Physical inactivity is very high (68%), more prevalent in females than males (73% vs. 63%), and higher in urban areas than rural ones (78.4% vs. 60.6%). Among regions, Java Bali region (72%) was higher than Eastern Indonesia and Sumatra (62% and 59% respectively). Those with a better economic status are more likely to be inactive than their counterparts. These behaviors are a reflection of future diseases , which may cause the morbidity of NCDs. This information on risk factors is essential for future caseload predictions in regards to NCDs and for preventive program planning.