Cross-sectional study on the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable disease in a rural area of Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu

Background: Currently, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are in the limelight replacing communicable diseases, which were the leading cause of death in most countries. Non communicable disease is the leading cause of death globally. Non communicable diseases (NCDs) kill 38 million people each year. This study aims to estimate the prevalence rate of NCD risk factors among adult population and to determine the association between behavioural and metabolic risk factors. Methods: This is a cross sectional descriptive study carried out in the rural field practice area attached to a Medical college in Kancheepuram district. The study group were 370 adults (20-60 years). The data was collected using a structured questionnaire with the help of WHO steps approach containing socio-demographic particulars, details regarding NCD risk factors and physical measurements. Data was analysed using SPSS 15 software. Prevalence of NCD risk factors was calculated using percentages and strength of association was tested between behavioural and metabolic risk factors. Results: Prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable disease are tobacco use (17.8%), alcohol use (17.3%), physical inactivity (50.2%), unhealthy diet (62%), overweight (38.1%), obesity (11.4%), hypertension (15.7%), diabetes (21.9%) respectively. There was strong statistical significant association between obesity (odds ratio-3.057, p=0.020 at 95% confidence interval (0.915-10.211)), hypertension (odds ratio-23.062, p=0.001 at 95% confidence interval (3.147-168.989)), diabetes (odds ratio-6.837, p=0.001 at 95% confidence interval (2.085-22.417)) and alcohol use and also between obesity (odds ratio-2.637, p=0.004 at 95% confidence interval (0.787-8.83)), hypertension (odds ratio-2.773, p=0.019 at 95% confidence interval (1.145-6.714)) and tobacco use. Conclusions: The prevalence of non-communicable diseases risk factors is high in this study. It is necessary to minimize the burden of growing non-communicable disease epidemic in the society, by curbing the rates of the risky behaviours at a very early stage by lifestyle modification.