Non-Invasive Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in Pre and Postmenopausal Women of Vadodara: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT

Non-communicable diseases have emerged as a predominant cause of deaths for women worldwide. Earlier post-menopausal women were thought to be at higher risk for chronic degenerative diseases, as protective effect of oestrogen is lost after menopause. Whereas in the last decade, alarming trends for these diseases are seen among women in their child bearing age. Hence the aim of the study was to assess non-invasive risk factors of noncommunicable diseases among adult females with a focus on menopause. For this purpose, 408 females were screened and after excluding cases of peri-menopause, under-nutrition, pregnancy and hysterectomy, based on consent detailed non-invasive risk analysis was performed on 131 female subjects. The results revealed that the prevalence of selfreported history of hypertension and diabetes was around 21% and 11% respectively. About 75% of the subjects were overweight or obese according to Asia Pacific Classification. Post-menopausal women had significantly high prevalence of high body fat per cent (OR 6.52, 95%CI 1.32-62.3) and high blood pressure (OR 4.4 95%CI 2.1-9.3). Mean waist circumference, waist hip ratio, waist stature ratio, body fat and systolic blood pressure were above the normal cut-offs depicting presence of risks in both the groups. A trend of high per capita consumption of oil, salt and sugar at household level was seen. The frequency of practice of regular health check-up and awareness regarding selfbreast examination was very low among the subjects. The study indicates high prevalence of non-communicable disease risks among both pre and post-menopausal women, emphasizing the need to create awareness among young female population to adapt healthy lifestyle practices.