Prevalence of selected risk factors for chronic disease--Jordan, 2002.

In Jordan, the average life expectancy in 2002 was 72 years, and chronic diseases are becoming increasingly prevalent. Because personal behavior can influence the occurrence and progression of many chronic diseases, the Jordan Ministry of Health (JMoH) established surveillance for behavioral risk factors, particularly those related to cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. This report summarizes the key findings of the 2002 Behavioral Risk Factor Survey, the first reporting segment in Jordan's surveillance program for chronic diseases. The findings indicate that smoking, physical inactivity, and obesity contribute substantially to the burden of chronic disease in Jordan and underscores the need for effective public health interventions.