Background. Examining the non-communicable disease (NCD) profile for South Africa (SA) is crucial when developing health
interventions that aim to reduce the burden of NCDs.
Objective. To review NCD indicators in national data sources in order to describe the burden of NCDs in SA, using hypertension as an example.
Methods. Age, gender, district of death and underlying cause of death data were obtained for 2008 and 2009 mortality unit records from
Statistics SA and adjusted using STATA 11. Data for raised blood pressure were obtained from four national household surveys: the South
African Demographic and Health Survey 1998, the Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health 2007, and the National Income Dynamics
Study 2008 and 2010.
Results. The proportion of years of life lost due to NCDs was highest in the metros and least-deprived districts, with all metros (especially
Mangaung) showing high age-standardised mortality rates for ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and hypertensive disease.
The prevalence of hypertension has increased since 1998. National household surveys showed a measured hypertension prevalence of over
40% in adults aged =25 years in 2010. Treatment coverage was 35.7%. Only 36.4% of hypertensive cases (on treatment) were controlled.
Conclusion. Further work is needed if NCD monitoring is to be enhanced. Priority targets for NCDs must be integrated into national
health planning processes. Surveillance requires integration into national health information systems. Within primary healthcare, a larger
focus on integrated chronic care is essential.