Prevalence of hypertension among fisherman community in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, South India: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Background: Hypertension, often referred to as the "silent killer," usually presents no symptoms, making many people unaware of their condition. Fishing, as a profession, poses unique health risks due to harsh environmental conditions, irregular work patterns, and strenuous physical demands. Fishermen are particularly vulnerable due to unhealthy diets, sleep disturbances, physical inactivity, tobacco and alcohol use, and obesity. Estimating the prevalence of hypertension among fishermen is crucial for understanding the extent of this hidden health issue within this high-risk group and for implementing targeted interventions to improve their health outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Chennai's fishermen using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, and blood pressure was recorded following JNC criteria. Results: The study included 180 fishermen with a mean (SD) age of 49 (12). The prevalence of hypertension was 38.9%. Significant associations were found between hypertension, age, and years of fishing experience. Notably, 77.2% of fishermen lacked knowledge about hypertension, and 86.1% were unaware of its risk factors. Isolated systolic hypertension was found in 16% of participants, while 36% had isolated diastolic hypertension. Conclusions: In Chennai, hypertension is highly prevalent among fishermen and is significantly associated with age, years of fishing experience and smoking. There was no significant association with family history of hypertension, stress, or fried fish consumption. Awareness and knowledge about hypertension were very low among the fishermen. Although isolated systolic and diastolic hypertension were relatively minimal, regular hypertension screening for this community is essential.

Trends in budget allocation for primary healthcare: a decadal perspective on prioritization in Tamil Nadu

The healthcare industry in Tamil Nadu has evolved significantly during the last decade, with changes in budget allocations and policy goals. This article examines the state's health budget from 2013 to 2023, focusing on public health programs and healthcare delivery systems. Examining budgetary trends and allocation patterns sheds light on the complex relationship between resource prioritizing and healthcare outcomes. Key findings indicate a large increase in the state's overall budget, but with variable distribution among health departments. While the directorate of medical education (DME) receives a substantial portion, there are concerns regarding the diminishing distribution of essential healthcare services, particularly within the directorate of preventive medicine and public health (DPH). Despite this, Tamil Nadu's commitment to addressing public health concerns is evident in its purposeful investments in health and wellness centers (HWCs) and in its steps to reduce out-of-pocket costs. According to the recommendations, budget allocations should be reevaluated to ensure equal distribution based on population requirements and illness load. Furthermore, optimizing resource allocation and improving primary healthcare services, notably through enhanced DPH assistance, are critical for maintaining the state's excellent healthcare results. To summaries, Tamil Nadu's healthcare environment is a dynamic interaction of funding allocations, policy agendas, and public health results. As the state navigates changing challenges and opportunities, a data-driven approach to decision-making and a renewed emphasis on outcome-based healthcare programs are critical for improving the well-being of its citizens.

Statistical analysis of human papillomavirus prevalence and related factors in the North Tamil Nadu population: a cross-sectional study

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in women worldwide. Cervical cancer is 95% caused by the consistent infection by high-risk human papillomavirus (Hr HPV). The incidence of this cancer is higher in developing countries. Method: This study is a cohort study consisting of an analysis of data from patient detail and consent form 120 HPV-suspected samples collected from north Tamil Nadu namely Chennai, Pochampalli, Vellore, Kanchipuram, Dharmapuri, and Ambur. The incidence of HPV is seen to be slightly raised in these regions. This study deals with exploring factors like age, cervix conditions, comorbidities, and symptoms for testing in correlation with HPV positivity. All the values interpreted are in significance p<0.05. All statistics was calculated using SPSS version 22. Results: This is a first-of-its-kind study in this population. This study aims to highlight the correlating factors of HPV infection and standardize a pattern to screen women. This timely screening will greatly reduce the impact of HPV-dependent cervical cancer. Factors like diabetes, inflamed cervix, erosion and age were seen to be positively correlated with HPV positive status and consequently with cervical cancer. Conclusions: These factors may be applied to other population groups and predictive parameters for HPV dependent cervical cancers may be established.

Prevalence and determinants of anemia among school going children in the state of Tamil Nadu, India: applications of two-level logistic regression model

Background: Anemia still remains as one of the major public health problems in India despite implementing preventive measures. The objective was to find the prevalence and determinants of anemia among school going children in Tamil Nadu. Methods: We used the data from the fourth round of district level household survey (DLHS-4) for Tamil Nadu pertaining to the year 2012-13. Our analysis included 23997 children. Descriptive statistics, Random intercept and empty models of two-level logistic regression analysis were used. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was found to be 41.4% (95% CI: 40.77%-42.02%). We observed a district level variation on anemia (District level variance=0.1, p<0.001) and the intra class correlation coefficient was 0.0295. The prevalence of anemia was more in coastal districts as compared to non-coastal districts (43.85% vs. 40.18%, p<0.001). Variables that are found to have significant association with anemia on multilevel analysis were younger age (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.343, 95% CI: 1.270-1.420), female children (AOR=1.462, 95% CI: 1.387-1.541), more than eight family members in the household (AOR=1.120, 95% CI: 1.008-1.245), rural residence (AOR=1.103, 95% CI: 1.038-1.172) and lower standard of living (AOR=1.203, 95% CI: 1.084-1.334). Conclusions: Half of school going children were anemic in the state. Geospatial distribution of anemia varied significantly. Governments and regional health centres should take adequate measures to avert the consequences of anemia in school going children considering these factors.

Prevalence of anemia among school going adolescents in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu

Background: Nutritional anemia, with iron-deficiency anemia as the most prevalent type, is a pressing global health concern, impacting two billion people worldwide. Among vulnerable groups, school-going adolescents aged 10 to 17 years require special attention due to the critical phase of growth and development during this period. This study aims to assess the prevalence of anemia and its association with sociodemographic factors among adolescents in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 900 adolescent girls, utilizing a multistage sampling technique. Hemoglobin levels were measured using one-touch blood sampling, and physical examinations were performed by trained healthcare professionals. A structured questionnaire collected sociodemographic information, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors. Results: The study revealed a concerning prevalence of anemia, with 60% of the participants affected. Among these, 41.3% experienced moderate anemia, while 18.4% had mild anemia, and 0.4% had severe anemia. A significant correlation was observed between anemia prevalence and low socio-economic status among the participants. Conclusions: The high prevalence of anemia among adolescent girls in Thiruvallur district underscores the urgency of targeted interventions and public health initiatives to address this critical health issue. Improving nutrition, healthcare access, and socio-economic conditions are crucial steps in combating anemia's impact on school-going adolescents. Collaborative efforts from policymakers, healthcare providers, and community organizations are essential in eradicating nutritional anemia and enhancing the health and prospects of adolescents in the studied region.

Pattern of alcohol consumption among alcohol consumers in a rural area of Tamil Nadu: a community based descriptive cross-sectional study

Background: Alcohol consumption is the world’s third largest risk factor for disease and disability; in middle- income countries, it is the greatest risk. Alcohol is attributed to nearly 3.2% of all deaths and results in a loss of 4% of total DALYs. Aim and objectives were to study the pattern of alcohol consumption among alcohol consumers and to assess the factors influencing it among them. Methods: This study was conducted in the Milaganoor village in south Tamil Nadu with alcohol habit; All male with alcohol consuming habit above 13 years of age were included in the study and none were excluded from the study. The data was using a semi structured questionnaire. The data collected were consolidated and analyzed using SPSS software; The descriptive statistics were used in the study. Results: In study there were 1200 male and 1500 female. In only 900 males were with alcohol habit; 62.2% of male alcoholics illiterate; While seeing source of alcohol 94.4% of alcoholics taking alcohol in TASMAC without bar; 61.1% taking quarter amount of alcohol; 94.4% of alcoholic drink alcohol for fun; 27.7% for peer pressure; 46.6% drink alcohol to forget worries; 83.3% drink alcohol to relieve stress; 66.6% drink to get rid of withdrawal symptoms. Conclusions: It can be concluded that early age of onset and peer pressure are the alarming challenges for the eradication of this social evil. Low education and having a family history of alcohol use are more at risk to it. Health education is the most required intervention to reduce the burden of alcohol use.

Methods for a population-based Comprehensive Eye care Workload Assessment (CEWA) study in Southern India

Eye care programs, in developing countries, are often planned using the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment, often estimated from Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness (RAAB) surveys. A limitation of this planning approach is that it ignores the annual overall eye care requirements for a given population. Moreover, targets set are arbitrary, often influenced by capacity rather than need. To address this lacunae, we implemented a novel study design to estimate the annual need for comprehensive eye care in a 1.2 million populations. We conducted a population-based longitudinal study in Theni district, Tamil Nadu, India. All permanent residents of all ages were included. We conducted the study in three phases, (i) household-level enumeration and enrollment, (ii) basic eye examination (BEE) at household one-year post-enrollment, and (iii) assessment of eye care utilization and full eye examination (FEE) at central locations. All people aged 40 years and above were invited to the FEE. Those aged <40 years were invited to the FEE if indicated. In the main study, we enrolled 24,327 subjects (58% aged below 40 years and 42% aged 40 years and above). Of those less than 40 years, 72% completed the BEE, of whom 20% were referred for FEE at central location. Of the people aged ?40 years, 70% underwent FEE. Our study design provides insights for appropriate long-term public health intervention planning, resource allocation, effective service delivery, and designing of eye care services for resource-limited settings.

Nutritional status of rural school-going children (11-13 years) of Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu, South India

Background: The childhood years are characterized by rapid growth and development on both a physical and mental level. Compared to adults, they require a greater amount of nutrition per unit of body weight. The prevalence of undernutrition among schoolchildren is one of the foremost public health problems in developing countries such as India. Various studies have highlighted the burden of undernutrition nationwide among different groups in India. The objective of the present study was to assess the nutritional status of school children attending schools in Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 972 school children of 11 to 13 years of age for 6 months by consecutive sampling technique. The children were assessed for nutritional status by clinical examination as well as anthropometric assessment and were compared with the WHO growth standards. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 22 on the data obtained. Results: The mean age of the children was 12.11±0.8 of which 491(51%) were boys and 481 (49%) were girls. Among children, the prevalence of underweight, overweight, and obesity was 565 (58%), 25 (2.6%), and 23 (2.4%) respectively. Conclusions: The burden of undernutrition is indeed a serious concern in the rural school children of Dharmapuri district in Tamilnadu. The importance of routine school health visits is stressed and this issue needs to be addressed promptly through a multipronged approach.

The “Dravidian model”: egalitarianism and healthcare reform

Throughout the post-independence period, the state of Tamil Nadu has consistently performed better than most other states in several major healthcare indicators, including infant mortality rate and total fertility rate. At the same time, it has received praise for the deep penetration and robust functioning of its public health system. Tamil Nadu’s achievements in healthcare have been analysed in a number of scholarly studies in the past, and a recent book by Kalaiyarasan A and Vijayabaskar M, titled “The Dravidian Model: Interpreting the Political Economy of Tamil Nadu,” is the latest addition to this literature. The authors argue that the state’s uniqueness in human and social development primarily originates in the egalitarian politics and radical social movements of the early twentieth century which constituted a “Dravidian common-sense” that has since “shaped the development trajectory of the state.” Their arguments on the significance of egalitarian politics in improvements in health and wellbeing receive ample support from existing social sciences literature on health, equity, and justice.

Assessment of Water Quality to Economic Development: A Quantifying Environmental Kuznets Curve

The study intends to investigate the relationship between the growth of the economy and surface water pollutants in Tamil Nadu using the concept of the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). The study used cross-sectional time series (panel data) data for water pollutants such as Dissolved oxygen and conductivity, BOD, Total Coliforms and Fecal Coliforms across 16 districts in Tamil Nadu for the period 2003–2019. The findings of the study revealed that there was no indication of an EKC for Dissolved Oxygen and BOD; instead, Dissolved oxygen has a monotonically declining relationship while BOD has a monotonically increasing relationship, and the first turning point is yet to be achieved for both the water quality indices. The relationship between income and conductivity found a U-shaped relationship with the turning point on Rs.131.98 billion. The existence of an Inverted U-shaped EKC relationship for Fecal coliforms and Total Coliforms with the turning point on Rs. 482.22 and Rs. 477.65 billion, respectively.

A Study on Status of Public Distribution System in Tamil Nadu

Public distribution system has been an important welfare programme of government aimed to ensure food security in India ever since independence. PDS had been striving hard to provide subsidized essential commodities to the poor and needy of the country. Tamil Nadu has been implementing universal public distribution system to ensure food security for all its citizens. This paper tries to analyze the present status of Public Distribution System in Tamil Nadu. PDS had been under the wrath for many decades for the level of corruption, bogus purchases and leakage the system has. Reformation of the system was the need of the time. This paper also tries to evaluate the recent reforms introduced by the government of Tamil Nadu to make the functioning of PDS efficient.

Safety and efficacy of video DLT (VDLT) for lung isolation during the COVID?19 pandemic

One lung ventilation (OLV) with collapse of the ipsilateral lung is a prerequisite for most thoracic surgical procedures. Double?lumen tube (DLT) is still the preferred method to isolate the lungs and fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) is the gold standard for the confirmation of correct placement of the DLT. However, both these procedures are considered as a high?aerosol?generating procedures and are hazardous to the health workers, particularly at this time of the COVID?19 pandemic. We did nine thoracic surgery cases categorized as essential, requiring OLV during the ongoing period of the COVID?19 between April 2020 and May 2020 where we used Full view DLT for lung isolation. We present our case series which shows that the Full view VDLT can minimize or circumvent the use of FOB during OLV, and reduce the time taken to isolate the lungs thus reducing aerosol in the theater. None of the nine patients required FOB for confirmation of initial positioning nor for diagnosis of intraoperative malposition. The time taken to isolate the lungs was significantly less and the surgical positioning was done under real?time monitoring by visualizing the blue cuff distal to carina at all times. The real?time monitoring by the Full view VDLT offers the additional advantage of detecting any malposition even before it results in loss of isolation or desaturation. We conclude that the Full view VDLT is an efficient and safe alternative for lung isolation at this time of the COVID?19 pandemic.

HLA- A & B Association in Psoriasis in Tamil Speaking South Indian Population.

Psoriasis is an auto-immune skin disease affecting skin, nails and joints. The association of HLA with psoriasis is already established with HLA- C*06 known to be associated strongly with the disease. We wanted to determine the HLA -A & HLA-B pattern and its association with psoriasis in a Tamil speaking ethnic population.METHODSA total of 100 psoriasis patients attending the Dermatology OPD at SRMC were taken up for the study. This was a case control study and hence 100 voluntary blood donors donating at the SRMC Hospital blood bank were taken up for study as controls. Voluntary blood donors are considered as healthy normal individuals and hence chosen as controls. All the 100 patients and 100 controls were typed for HLA (Human Leucocyte Antigen) - A & B by PCR-SSP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Sequence Specific Primers) and the results were analysed statistically using OpenEpi software (2 X 2 table). The Odds Ratio (OR), p (probability) value, and 95% confidence interval were the statistical tests which were studied.RESULTSHLA-A*02, 24 and HLA-B*35 were found to be strongly associated with psoriasis among Tamil speaking ethnic population.CONCLUSIONSThere are different HLA – A & B alleles associated with psoriasis in Tamil ethnic population in comparison with other ethnic studies

Sexual Dimorphism from Palmprint Ridge Density among Malaysian Tamils for Person Identification.

Background: Fingerprints and palmprints form avaluable physical evidence in the scenes of crime.Palmprint ridge density is a vital tool used for personidentification during forensic investigation. Palmprintsare found impressed on the surface when a persontouches a surface. Aim and Objectives: This researchwas aimed to investgate the ridge density on six areas ina palmprint on both sides among Malaysian Tamils forperson identification. Material and Methods: Thisstudy sample consisted of 280 adult Malaysian Tamilsincluding140 males and 140 females. By inkingtechnique 560 palmprint samples were collected fromthe subjects for sexual dimorphism analysis. The sixprominent areas on the palmprints were chosen thatincluded Thenar region (P1), Hypothenar region (P2),Triradius of second digit (P3), Triradius of fifth digit(P4), Triradius of third digit (P5) and Triradius of fourthdigit (P6) for examination. Results: The resultsrevealed that the mean palmprint ridge density wassignificantly greater in females (10.26-12.03) thanmales (9.57-11.26) in all the designated areas (P1 toP6). The ridge density in the left hand was not themirror image of right hand, showing the bilateralasymmetry. Conclusion: The study findings revealedthat palmprint ridge density was sexually dimorphicamong Malaysian Tamil population.

A study on correlation between screen time duration and school performance among primary school children at Tamil Nadu, India

Background: In recent times, one of the factors implied in poor school performance in children is increasing screen time. Objective of the study was to find the association of screen time duration with school performance among primary school children in the state of Tamil Nadu, India.Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among 134 primary school students at the state of Tamil Nadu, India from June 2019 to August 2019. Data regarding screen time were collected from the parents and school performance from teachers using a predesigned questionnaire. The data collected were analyzed with suitable statistical methods using SPSS 25 software.Results: Of the 134 children, 72(53.7%) were male and 62(46.3%) female children. 52(38.8%) were in the age group of 6 to 7 years, 47(35.1%) in the age group of 8 to 9 years and 35(26.1%) in the age group of 10 to 11 years. Majority of the children (56.7%) had an average daily screen time of >120 minutes followed by 61 to 120 minutes (29.1%) and ?60 minutes (14.2%). Based on composite academic performance, 23(17.2%) children were categorized as having poor academic performance, 71(52.9%) as average and 40(29.9%) as good academic performance. There was no statistically significant correlation of screen time duration with composite academic performance and academic performance in mathematics, science and language. (p Value >0.05).Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between screen time duration and school performance in primary school children in this study. Further studies are required to find the influence of screen time on various domains of learning and on long term cognition and educational achievement.

Awareness and attitude among parents of primary school students towards screen time in children

Background: Screen time behavior in young children is highly influenced by parental attitude towards screen time.The objective of this study is to assess the awareness and attitude among parents of primary school students in the state of Tamil Nadu, India towards screen time in children.'Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the state of Tamil Nadu, India among 134 parents of primary school children. Data collected using a predesigned questionnaire were analyzed using suitable statistical methods.Results: Of the 134 participants, 48.5% were fathers and 51.5% mothers. Majority (77.6%) were in the age group of 24 to 35 years. Only 3.7% of the participants were aware of the exact screen time guidelines in children. 93.3% of the participants felt that it was important to limit screen time in children. 84.3% of the participants believed that the content of screen time should be controlled in children. 82.1% of parents felt that they should co view media with their children. 65.7% of the participants believed that the ideal screen time in children per day is 1 to 2 hours. 82.1% of the participants believed that using screen time as a replacement for caretaker was an important reason for increasing screen time. The awareness of adverse effects of increased screen time was high among the participants. 91.8% of the participants believed that establishing limits for screen time in children was the most efficient way to limit screen time in children. 89.6 % believed that increasing awareness among children was important.Conclusions: In this study, we conclude that majority of the parents were aware of the adverse effects of increasing screen time and want to establish healthy screen time behaviours in children.

Knowledge, attitude and practice study on awareness and preventing cyber threats among the electronic devices used by the doctors of government medical college Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India

Background: Now a days the whole World is submerged with digital electronics devices round the clock for all utilities. Even the doctor community also is not spared by these digital gadgets. Almost every doctor in India is permanently having and operating a smart phone and laptops or desktops plus vide computer applications.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 45 doctors across 7 departments of Government Medical College, Vellore. Mean, median, mode, standard deviation was used for quantitative data and Pearson chi square test and logistic regression was used for qualitative data using trial version of SPSS 22.Results: The mean score was 11.2±2.8 with mean scoring percentile of 38.8±6.5. There was Pearsons Chi square significance for Variables like exposure to external resources and, Books related to cyber security, age less than 34 years and average spending time with electronic devices >2.5 hours per day, designation MD versus MBBS, gender difference.Conclusions: On running logistic regression the multivariate analysis for study variables with statistical significance was seen for four variables- exposure to external resources, and books related to cyber security, age <34 years, average spending time with electronic devices >2.5 hours per day. Designation and gender variables lost their significance on logistic regression analysis.

A cross-sectional study on morbidity status among school going adolescents in Thiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu

Background: Adolescents represent about 21.8 percent of India’s population. Various health risks with potentially life-threatening consequences become prominent in this age group. This study was undertaken with the objective to determine the morbidity profile of school going adolescents in Tamil Nadu.Methods: This descriptive, cross sectional study was planned and conducted from January 2016 to August 2017. The study population included 987 adolescent boys and girls aged between 10 to 19 years studying in high and higher secondary Government schools of Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu. Semi-structured questionnaire was used as data collection tool.Results: The mean age groups of this school going adolescent are 14.2 yrs. In the present study 583 (59%) of the study participants were affected by one or more morbidity condition. Among them, 395 (67.7%) were in the age group 10-14 years and 188 (32.2%) in the age group 15-19 years. 122 (21%) and 461 (79.1%) of male and female were affected respectively. In the present study, fever (21%) was the commonest reported morbidity followed by acute respiratory infection (15.7%) and acute gastrointestinal disease (13. 4%).Conclusions: This study shows that adolescents are prone to a wide range of morbidity conditions. Apart from respiratory and gastro intestinal diseases, reproductive tract infections and sexual health problems are important morbidities affecting this age group. There is strong need to sensitize health care practitioners at all levels, in both government and private sectors towards health problems in adolescent age groups.

How knowledgeable and practicable are the mothers of under five children in urban slum, Tamil Nadu on: utilization of ORS, homemade fluids and feeding practices during acute diarrhoeal diseases

Background: Globally, acute diarrhoea claims around 1.5 million lives of under-five children. In India, ADD accounts for 8% of deaths in <5yrs age group. Child may be pushed into an irreversible outcome as stunting because of inadequate nutrition and repeated bouts of infection during the first 1000 days of life. Oral rehydration therapy is the most effective treatment intervention which can avert about 14% of deaths in under five children. Methods: A cross sectional study was done among 270 mothers of under five children from our urban health centre service area of PSGIMSR. Results: Among 270 mothers of under five children most of them belonged to the age group of ≤25 years. Only 10.7% of the mothers were aware that infection or germs cause diarrhea, signs of dehydration were not known by 80% of mothers. Mothers’ with more than one child and mothers with education more than 8th class were emerged as the factors affecting ORS preparation. Conclusions: The knowledge on diarrhoea was low. Although awareness regarding spread of diarrhoea and ORS was adequate in this community, knowledge regarding continuation of feeding and signs of dehydration were deficient. Thus educating the mothers of under-five children regarding correct practices of home management of diarrhoea is likely to further reduce diarrhoea morbidity and mortality.

Prevalence of risk factors for coronary artery disease among adults in a rural area of Tamil Nadu

Background: Lifestyle changes have increased the epidemic of obesity, diabetes, hypertension (HTN), dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases in the 20th century. In India, the estimated adult prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is increasing which leads to a huge economic loss. Objectives: The objective of the study is to measure the prevalence of risk factors for CAD among population aged 30 years and above in a rural area of Tamil Nadu. Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was done in 16 villages under the field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences. 631 participants were selected by multistaged random sampling and interviewed using modified WHO-STEPS questionnaire. The variables studied were age, sex, socioeconomic status, smoking, alcohol, diet, physical activity, obesity, diabetes, and HTN. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Results: Out of 631 participants interviewed in this study, the prevalence of smoking was 13.8%. 29.6% respondents had consumed alcohol once in their lifetime. Almost all the respondents (99.5%) did not consume fruits and vegetables adequately. Majority of the participants consumed salt dense foods and used unsaturated oil for cooking. Only 17.8% were sedentary workers. 32.5% were pre-hypertensives and 25.8% were hypertensives. 28.2% were overweight and 6.6% were obese. Conclusion: The prevalence of various risk factors for CAD such as unhealthy diet, obesity, alcohol consumption, and comorbidities was found to be high among our study population. Hence, concerted efforts should be taken by various stakeholders to reduce the risk of developing CAD.