Shared risk factors of non-communicable diseases: A community based study among adults in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi

ABSTRACT

As urbanisation is increasing, the problem of communicable as well as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is also increasing. Hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases constitute most of the NCDs whose risk factors are almost similar. They could be modifiable like physical activity, waist circumference, diet, smoking, alcohol intake . Objective: To study the magnitude of shared risk factors for Non-communicable diseases in adults of an urban resettlement colony of Delhi. Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted on adults >30 years (n=580) in both genders in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi in 2014. A Semi-structured interview schedule consisting of Socio-demographic characteristics, risk factor profile was used. Data was entered and analyzed in SPSS 12 Results: Out of the total 580 subjects (313)53.96% were women and 267(46.03%) were men. Majority 405(69.8%) of the study subjects were taking inadequate fruits and vegetables (<5 times/day) and 212 (36.6%) were taking >5 gm salt per day. About 181(31.2%) of the study subjects were sedentary workers, the proportion was more among women 99(31.6%). 223(83.5%) men had waist circumference within normal limits whereas 178 (56.9%) women had waist circumference more than 88 cm. One in four men were smokers. Nearly 49(18.4 %) of the men were current tobacco chewers as compared to 17(1.6%) of women. Only 33 (12.4%) men were currently consuming alcohol. Results of multiple logistic regression showed increasing age, education and marital status as significant socio demographic factors for increased prevalence of risk factors for NCDs. Conclusion: Promotion of lifestyle change to address these risk factors that can be modified including weight reduction, increased physical activity and healthy eating should be encouraged along with changing of behavioural factors like quitting smoking and alcohol.