MUSCAT : The results, announced under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Sultan bin Ya’rub Al Busaidi, Advisor at the Private Office, revealed public health challenges, including that 60 percent of adults are overweight or obese and one in three adults live with hypertension. The findings also show a strong community desire for intervention, with 90 percent of Omanis advocating for increased tobacco taxes and smoking bans in public spaces.

His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al Manthari, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health for Health Planning and Regulation, highlighted that the survey addresses a national need for up-to-date and accurate health data, supporting evidence-based planning, policy development, and programmes aligned with Oman Vision 2040 and international goals, including the third Sustainable Development Goal aimed at reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases. He emphasised that the next phase of health planning will focus on translating knowledge into practical interventions to improve community health and quality of life.

Speaking on the occasion, Her Excellency Dr. Hanan Balkhi, Regional Director of the World Health Organisation for the Eastern Mediterranean Region, praised the survey as a critical tool to guide efforts against non-communicable diseases and commended Oman’s commitment to evidence-based health policies.

Dr. Shatha bint Saud Al Raisi, Director of the Department of Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, shared a visual presentation of the survey findings to indicate that one in six Omani males currently uses smoked or smokeless tobacco, with manufactured cigarettes, pipes, and hookahs being the most consumed forms. Nearly 40 percent of smokers attempted to quit over the past year, and about 2 percent of adult males use electronic cigarettes. Exposure to tobacco smoke remains a concern, with approximately 16 percent of adults exposed at home and 20 percent at workplaces. Nearly 90 percent of Omanis support higher taxes on tobacco products and bans on smoking in public spaces.

Dietary patterns showed that over 60 percent of adults do not consume the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. However, more than 90 percent recognise the health risks of excess salt and sugar, and nearly 70 percent use unsaturated oils when cooking.

Physical activity remains a challenge, with more than 25 percent of adults not engaging in sufficient exercise and over 50 percent not participating in recreational sports.

The results of the hypertension survey revealed that one in three adults has high blood pressure, though only 30 percent are aware of their diagnosis. Among those diagnosed, over 80 percent are on medication. For adults aged 35 and above, four out of ten have hypertension.

As far as high blood sugar is concerned, one in seven adults has elevated blood sugar, with around 60 percent aware of their condition and over 95 percent of those diagnosed receiving treatment. Among adults aged 35+, one in five has high blood sugar.

On high cholesterol front, the survey indicated that one in three adults has elevated blood cholesterol, though only 20 percent are aware. Around 60 percent of those diagnosed are receiving treatment, and among adults aged 40 and above, two out of five have high cholesterol.

Overall, nearly 30 percent of adults have three or more risk factors for chronic diseases, more than 60 percent are overweight or obese, and over 25 percent are classified as obese.

The survey, conducted in collaboration with the WHO across Oman’s governorates, included over 10,000 participants aged 15 and above, using internationally approved scientific methods and standardised measurement tools. Data collected covered demographics, lifestyle, physical activity, nutrition, tobacco use, vital signs, and laboratory tests. The findings underwent multiple scientific reviews to ensure accuracy and reliability.

The results obtained from the survey will be used to develop health policies, update national strategies, improve prevention programmes, enhance primary care services, and support government decisions.

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