A Study to Assess the Burden of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases among Adults of Urban and Rural Community in Kalimpong, India

Abstract

Background: Non communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, tend to be of long duration and are the result of a combination of genetic, physiological, environmental and behavioural factors. The risk factors like tobacco use, physical inactivity, the harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diets all increase the risk of dying from an NCD. Method: A descriptive comparative study was conducted in the month of April 2024 in two urban and rural communities respectively. Sample size was taken 40 out of which 20 is from urban and another 20 from rural community which included adults in the age group of 22-64 years. Convenience sampling technique was used to draw the sample. A standardized WHO STEPS instrument for chronic disease risk factor surveillance was used. In Step -1, the demographic variables and behavioural measurements and in Step- 2, the physical measurements were assessed. Result: In the comparison study of Behavioural risk factors among the adults of Urban and Rural community it was revealed that the consumption of Tobacco is higher 14(70%) in rural than 9 (45%) in urban. The Alcohol consumption is 6 (30%) which is equal in both Urban and Rural community. The consumption of unhealthy diet is higher 15 (75%) in Urban and 12(60%) in Rural. The presence of overweight is 6 (30%) in Urban and 4 (20%) in Rural. The presence of obesity is 2 (10%) which is equal in both Urban and Rural. The High risk for obesity as per waist circumference is 11(55%) in Urban and 12 (60%) in Rural community. The prevalence of Hypertension was 55% in Urban and 35% in Rural. And the prevalence of Diabetes was 35% in Urban and 25% in rural community. Conclusion: Non communicable diseases cause the high rate of morbidity and mortality among adults of all age groups. Adequate surveillance on risk factors is the key for timely screening, prevention and management of Non communicable diseases. However proper risk assessment can prevent life threating complications and create awareness among Urban and Rural communities. Key words: Knowledge, Risk factors, Non communicable disease, adults