ABSTRACT
Introduction : This study was designed to find out the group mean prevalence of NCD risk factors in different administrative divisions of West Bengal (WB) and to explore the probable reasons of these differences in different indigenous habitat wise groups of districts of West Bengal. Methods : This descriptive study was conducted on available secondary data from National Family Health Survey- 5 (NFHS-5) regarding NCD risk factors. For this study, WB’s districts were divided into five administrative divisions namely Presidency, Medinipur, Burdwan, Malda and Jalpaiguri. Again WB State divided into three groups namely Jangalmahal (forest region), Pahar (Himalayan Hilly region) and “Rest of West Bengal” (ROW) on the basis of habitat of major indigenous people. Data are analyzed by Microsoft excel software in percentage and group mean. Results : Presidency (M: 20.6% versus F: 21.9%) with Medinipur (M: 20.3% versus F: 19%) divisions and Jangalmahal group of districts (M: 22.1% versus F: 16.5%) have higher group me n prevalence of high blood sugar in West Bengal. High group mean prevalence of high blood pressure was observed in Pahar (M: 26.6% versus F: 25.2%) group of districts and Jalpaiguri (M: 24.7% versus F:24%) division. The group mean prevalence of alcohol intake is very high in Jalpaiguri division (M: 25.2% versus F: 3%). The group mean prevalence of obesity (women aged 15-49 years) is increased from the last NFHS -4 survey. Conclusion : The group mean prevalence of alcohol intake and high blood pressure are very high in Pahar. The tobacco use related habit is comparatively high in Jangalmahal and Pahar group of districts. The group mean prevalence of high blood sugar is comparatively high in Jangalmahal and Presidency division areas.
ABSTRACT
Background: Children and adolescents are more vulnerable to developing NCD (non communicable diseases) risk factors due to changing lifestyles. Hence it is essential to recognize NCD risk factors among adolescents. School plays an important role in imparting knowledge and shaping the behaviours and practices among children. This study focusses on the school related factors that may be influencing the NCD risk factors among adolescents.Methods: The study was conducted among 438 students, 13 to 15 years old of two central government schools in Delhi. A self-administered modified STEPS questionnaire, an observation checklist for assessing facilities at schools and an interview schedule for school staff were used to collect data.Results: The statistically significant determinants of inadequate fruits and vegetable intake and excess fast food intake were consumption of fast food from vendors selling food outside the school (OR=4.36), inadequate physical activity at school (OR=2.56) and feeling stressed at school (OR=2.93). Physical activity at school was an important determinant for overall physical activity of students (OR=2.38). Current tobacco use and current alcohol use was determined by feeling stressed at school (OR=3.12). Health education classes at school had a protective effect on the NCD risk factors.Conclusions: Many school related factors such as absence of playground at school, stressed life at school and vendors selling fast food outside school were seen to influence lifestyle risk factors amongst adolescents. Hence an active involvement of school by increasing health education classes and providing adequate facilities for physical activities may help in reducing the NCD risk factors among students.
ABSTRACT
Background: Non communicable diseases are responsible for a high proportion of deaths and disabilities. The major risk factors attributed to this are smoking, heavy alcohol drinking, inadequate fruit, and vegetable consumptions, and physical inactivity. While there are data available to understand the prevalence of non-communicable risk factors among men and women, there is no data among transgender community. Hence this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of NCD risk factors among the male-to-female transgender community.Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted among 54 transwomen who had been registered with two social welfare organizations for transgender community in Chennai. The risk factor was assessed using WHO STEPS instrument.Results: Among the transwomen, 16.7% were currently smoking tobacco, while 18.5% were using smokeless forms of tobacco. Alcohol consumption was observed in 44.4% of the population. 62.9% of them were not involved in any kind of exerting physical activity for recreation. 25.9% had undergone hormone supplementation for gender affirmation. Prevalence of obesity was 20.4% in the study population. The prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia was 11.1%, 5.6% and 7.4% respectively.Conclusions: High Prevalence of certain risk factors such as smokeless tobacco usage, alcohol consumption and hormone supplementation were seen among the male-to-female transgender community compared to the general population. Targeted interventions must be made so that specific attention is given to the transgender community in various NCD programs by the government. They must also be supported and accepted by every member of this society.