Abstract

Background: Prevalence of non-communicable diseases is increasing in developing and non-developing countries though disproportionately. A particular category of high-risk population comprises of millions of expatriate workers in the Saudi Arabia, who are prone to many common health problem including non – communicable diseases such as diabetes  mellitus and hypertension.
Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the risk factors that play a significant role in causing non-communicable diseases (hypertension and diabetes mellitus) among immigrant workers.
Materials and Methods: The risk factors data was collected from 120 (170) expatriate workers (response rate=70.6%) staying in two residential compounds. Expatriate workers were asked to fill in a pre – tested, structured and close-ended questionnaire to evaluate the risk factors. In addition, we measured the BP and BMI by using weight scale, measuring tape, and mercury sphygmomanometer.
Results: The results showed that expatriate workers had generally acceptable quality of life where they experienced numerous modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of developing HTN and DM. 95.5 % ate all types of food without any consideration. 21.7 % of them were above the normal weight. 62.5 % were sleeping less than 7 hours, which increased the stress level.
Conclusion: Expatriate workers have good quality of life in Saudi Arabia. However, prevalence of modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors for developing HTN and DM is considerable. Primary preventive measures need to be inculcated to reduce it to a level where it ceases to be a public health problem.

Key words: Expatriates, Risk factors, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, Saudi Arabia