EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are large contributors to illness,
disability, and death. Research has found that there are many risk factors, such as cigarette smoking and unhealthy diet,
which greatly increase the likelihood of developing these diseases. Within the last century, the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a chain of islands located in the northwestern region of the Pacific Ocean, has
experienced drastic change in lifestyles due to the introduction of Western culture. This change has led to the occurrence
of many of these NCD risk factors and as a result an increase in NCDs.
CNMI undertook its first population-based, NCD household survey from January – April 2016. A total of 1,091 individuals,
aged 18 years or older, participated in the survey. Respondents answered questions about their alcohol and tobacco use,
dietary habits, physical activity, health access, oral health, health conditions, and cancer screening. Additionally, height
and weight, random/non-fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, and blood pressure were measured.
The aim of the Hybrid NCD and Risk Factor Survey was to assess the current prevalence of NCDs and NCD risk factors in
the CNMI. Knowing the occurrence of NCD risk factors enables CNMI to monitor trends and can lead to a better
understanding of specific reasons for the NCD prevalence in the CNMI, and to the development of targeted interventions
to combat these diseases.