District-level epidemiology and sociodemographic determinants of noncommunicable diseases - results the National Family Health Survey −5 (2019–21)

Background

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of adult mortality in India. However, the data regarding the prevalence of NCD risk factors at district level is scarce. This study aims to analyse and map NCD risk factors at the state and district levels, exploring sociodemographic influences on these risks in Indian males and females.

Methods

We analyzed National Family Health Survey-5 database and used the prevalence estimates to create choropleth maps, enabling us to examine the geographical variations in NCD risk factors at the district level in India.

Results

Districts in the Satluj-Yamuna plains, western Rajasthan, and the northeastern regions exhibited clusters with a prevalence of high blood pressure exceeding 30.1 %. Northeastern districts showed over 40 % prevalence of current tobacco use, while high alcohol consumption clusters were observed in the northeastern and Telangana districts. Southern districts showed clusters of both obesity (as measured by BMI) and highest rates of oral, breast, and cervical cancer screening, moreover districts in Tamil Nadu exhibited notable clusters of raised blood glucose prevalence.

Conclusion

Our analysis revealed variations in the prevalence of NCD risk factors at both the state and district levels. Accordingly, this study ranks districts based on the NCD burden, offering valuable insights to state and district teams to devise targeted measures for the prevention and control of NCDs, particularly in the most heavily affected districts.