RESUMO
The present study was conducted for mapping the prevalence of non-communicable diseases in free living populations of Vadodara & Godhra. Multistage sampling (cluster and systematic random sampling) was used to draw a sample of 351 subjects. Anthropometric data, medical history, lifestyle and dietary practices were elicited using standard procedures. Overweight and obesity were comparable in both the cities (Overweight: 24% v/s 25%, Obesity: 48% and 42%). Diabetes and hypertension, were higher in Godhra (diabetes: 19%, Hypertension: 36%) as compared to Vadodara (diabetes: 12%, Hypertension: 24%). Predictor variables identified were family history of diabetes, high BMI, waist circumference, hypertension, physical inactivity, smoking, alcohol, tobacco abuse, low intake of fruits and vegetables and low intake of green leafy vegetables. Majority of the subjects (79%) had 2-5 risk factors. Thus, prevalence of multiple risk-factors calls for development of a surveillance system to monitor and reduce the risk of developing non-communicable diseases.