PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Randah R. Hamadeh TI - Risk factors of major noncommunicable diseases in Bahrain. The need for a surveillance system DP - 2004 Sep 01 TA - Saudi Medical Journal PG - 1147--1152 VI - 25 IP - 9 4099 - http://smj.org.sa/content/25/9/1147.short 4100 - http://smj.org.sa/content/25/9/1147.full SO - Saudi Med J2004 Sep 01; 25 AB - Noncommunicable diseases NCDs are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Bahrain. The review examines the prevalence of risk factors of major NCDs from the available literature and determines the impact of the rapid socio economic changes on their burden. It further recommends ways of improving their reporting and monitoring. Smoking, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, physical activity and nutrition are considered. The review points out that data on some of the factors is available but deficient for others. The call for the establishment of an integrated surveillance system using the World Health Organization STEPwise approach is stressed.