Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with increasing prevalence in developing countries due to lifestyle transitions. Early detection and preventive measures are key to reducing their burden. Objective: To assess the prevalence and risk factors associated with NCDs among individuals attending a tertiary care hospital and to evaluate their knowledge and practices related to NCD prevention. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 patients aged ≥30 years at a tertiary care hospital. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic details, medical history, lifestyle factors, and knowledge about NCDs. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure readings were recorded. Results: Hypertension (32.5%) and diabetes (28.5%) were the most prevalent NCDs. Risk factors included sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet, obesity, and tobacco use. Knowledge regarding NCDs was moderate, but preventive practices were inadequate in most participants. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of NCDs and associated risk factors among the study population. Health education and lifestyle modification interventions are urgently needed to curb the rising burden of NCDs.
India is currently experiencing an epidemiological health transition, marked by rapid urbanization and economic development. These changes have led to significant shifts in lifestyle behaviors, such as increased food consumption, tobacco use, and reduced physical activity【1】. As a result, there has been a rise in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and stroke, which now constitute major public health challenges【2】.The burden of NCDs is particularly concerning due to their impact on morbidity and mortality during the most productive years of life, posing significant socio-economic challenges to the country【3】. These diseases are largely driven by common risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and obesity. Addressing these modifiable risk factors through targeted interventions could substantially reduce the burden of NCDs【4】.
To address the growing burden of NCDs, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed the STEPS approach as part of its global surveillance strategy. This standardized method enables the collection of comparable data on NCD risk factors across countries, facilitating both monitoring and prevention efforts【5】. The STEPS approach emphasizes the importance of regularly collecting data on key risk factors, which can guide public health strategies to reduce population-level risks and improve outcomes【6】.
In India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the National Program for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke in 2008. This program aims to promote health, screen for NCD risk factors, and establish specialty clinics to address these conditions【7】. Understanding the distribution of risk factors within specific populations is crucial for designing effective prevention and control programs【8】.
This study focuses on assessing the prevalence of risk factors for NCDs among the adult population of Barpeta town. By examining lifestyle behaviors, socio-demographic factors, and their association with NCDs, the research seeks to provide actionable insights to inform public health interventions【9】【10】.
. Study Design:
Community-based cross-sectional observational study.
Urban areas of Barpeta Town, which has 22 wards, served as the field practice area.
Conducted over 6 months, from July, 2023, to December ,2023.
Total sample size: 400
Adults aged 18 to 60 years from households in Barpeta Town.
Locked houses.
Individuals not providing consent.
Those below 18 or above 60 years.
Pre-designed and pre-tested proforma with open- and closed-ended questions based on WHO STEPS Criteria.
Instruments like a sphygmomanometer and a weighing machine.
House-to-house visits were conducted to gather information.
Data were organized into frequency distribution table.
Conflict of interest: None
Funding: None
Table 1: Sociodemographic Characteristics and risk factors of the Study Population
|
Category |
Variable |
Male (n=168) |
Female (n=232) |
Total (n=400) |
|
Sociodemographic Characteristics |
Mean age (years) |
36.2 |
35.1 |
35.6 |
|
Age group (years) |
|
|
|
|
|
18-30 |
50 (30%) |
104 (45%) |
154 (38.5%) |
|
|
31-45 |
84 |
92(40%) |
176(44%) |
|
|
>45 |
34 |
36 |
70 |
|
|
Literacy Rate |
126(75%) |
144 (62%) |
270 (68%) |
|
|
Employment Status |
134(80%) |
92(40%) |
226 (56.5%) |
|
|
Behavioral Risk Factors |
Tobacco use |
67(40%) |
14(6%) |
81(20.25%) |
|
Smokeless Tobacco use |
42(25%) |
23(10%) |
65(16.25%) |
|
|
Alcohol consumption |
50(30%) |
7(5%) |
57(14.25%) |
|
|
High Salt Intake |
114(68%) |
174(75%) |
288(72%) |
|
|
|
Inadequate Fruit and Vegetable Intake
|
50(30%) |
51(22%) |
101(25.25%) |
|
|
Insufficient Physical Activity(<150 min/week) |
71(42%) |
151(65%) |
222(55.5%) |
|
Physiological Risk Factors |
Hypertension |
39(23%) |
44(19%) |
83(20.75%) |
|
Hyperglycemia |
34(20%) |
37(16%) |
71(17.75%) |
|
|
Abdominal Obesity |
50(30%) |
92(40%) |
142(35.5%) |
This study assessed the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adults in Barpeta Town. The findings highlight significant sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors contributing to the NCD burden in this urban setting.
The mean age of participants in this study was 35.6 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (58%) than males (42%). Behavioral risk factors such as tobacco use, smokeless tobacco use, alcohol consumption, high salt intake, and inadequate physical activity were prevalent. High salt intake (72%) and insufficient physical activity (55.5%) were the most common risk factors. These findings align with the Global Burden of Disease Study, which identified dietary risks and physical inactivity as major contributors to NCDs globally【11】.
Tobacco use was reported by 20.25% of participants, with a higher prevalence among males (40%) compared to females (6%). A similar trend was observed in the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), which found that tobacco use is significantly higher among males in India【12】. Alcohol consumption in this study was reported by 14.25% of participants, predominantly males (30%). This is lower than the national average of 29% reported in the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), possibly reflecting cultural or regional differences【13】.
High salt intake was prevalent in 72% of participants, higher than the WHO's recommendation of limiting salt consumption to less than 5 grams per day. Similar patterns have been observed in studies conducted in urban areas of India, where high salt consumption is attributed to dietary habits and processed food intake【14】【15】. Addressing this through public health interventions, such as awareness campaigns and labeling regulations, could significantly reduce the NCD burden.
Physiological risk factors, including hypertension (20.75%) and hyperglycemia (17.75%), were also significant. These findings are consistent with those reported in studies conducted in similar urban settings, such as the Chennai Urban Population Study (CUPS), which highlighted the growing prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in urban India【16】【17】. Abdominal obesity, observed in 35.5% of participants, was more prevalent among females (40%) compared to males (30%), corroborating findings from other studies that indicate higher rates of obesity among women due to hormonal and lifestyle factors【18】.
Comparing these findings with studies from other regions reveals both similarities and unique challenges. For instance, a study conducted in Kerala reported a higher prevalence of hypertension (30%) and diabetes (22%) 【19】, which may be attributed to differences in dietary patterns and healthcare access. Similarly, urban studies in northern India reported higher rates of tobacco use and alcohol consumption, reflecting regional variations in risk factor distribution【20】【21】
Frequency of physical exercise per day was assessed and it was found to mild ( 30 minutes per day) in 56 % respondents and heavy ( 60- 120 minutes per day) in 17% respondents. High cholesterol levels were found in 27 % males and 25 % females. The Punjab state survey documented high cholesterol levels from 2.2% of the population residing there. 【22】
The higher literacy rate among males (75%) compared to females (62%) in this study underscores the need for gender-sensitive approaches to health education. Educational interventions targeting women could enhance their awareness and management of NCD risk factors.
In conclusion, the findings of this study highlight the need for targeted interventions to address behavioral and physiological risk factors for NCDs in Barpeta Town. Public health strategies focusing on lifestyle modifications, community-based screening, and early intervention programs could play a pivotal role in mitigating the NCD burden. Future studies should explore the longitudinal impact of these interventions and their scalability in similar settings.
This study highlights the significant burden of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors among the adult population of Barpeta Town, Assam. Behavioral risks such as tobacco and alcohol use, high salt intake, and insufficient physical activity were found to be widespread, along with physiological risks like hypertension, hyperglycemia, and abdominal obesity. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted, community-based health interventions focusing on lifestyle modifications, early detection, and health education. Gender disparities, particularly in literacy and risk behavior patterns, call for gender-sensitive strategies. The high prevalence of modifiable risk factors suggests that preventive measures, if implemented effectively, can substantially reduce NCD incidence. Integration of regular screening and public health awareness programs into local healthcare systems could play a pivotal role. Future research should examine the long-term impact of such interventions and explore region-specific strategies to ensure scalability and sustainability in similar urban settings.
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