A Community-based Study on the Prevalence of Behavioral Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases in Davangere City, Karnataka, South India

Abstract

BACKGROUND: As we slowly advance into the 21st Century, we find that the challenges posed by non-communicable diseases (NCDs) present an imminent threat to people worldwide. The rapidly growing epidemic of non-communicable diseases is clearly related to changes in life styles. OBJECTIVES: 1) To study the socio-demographic factors of the region. 2) To assess the prevalence of behavioral risk factors for non-communicable diseases. METHODS: Study Design: A Community- based cross-sectional descriptive study. Study Participants: 2000 urban people of Davangere city, belonging to the age group 15-64 years. Study Period: 1st December 2008 and 30th November 2009 (1 year). METHODOLOGY: A multi-stage sampling method with households as sampling unit. Information on behavioral risk factors was obtained through standardized methods as recommended by the STEPS 1 survey guideline of the World Health Organization after modifying to suit the local requirement. Statistical Analysis: Proportion and Chi-square test. RESULTS: Total participants in the study were 2000, comprised of 1000 males' and1000 females. High burden of NCD risk factors was observed among urban population: current smoking- 15.2% (Male-30.1%, Female-0.2%); current smokeless tobacco use -17.8% (Male-28.8%, Female-6.8%); current alcohol use -17.5% (Male-32.8%, Female-1.3%); physical inactivity-30.4% (Male-17.6%, Female-43.3). INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS: Substantially high levels of the various behavioral risk factors in this urban population suggest an urgent need for adopting healthy life style modifications among the population in general. The increased risk observed among the younger generation for risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption calls for urgent corrective steps and measures for long- term monitoring of all major risk factors as well as the major chronic disease conditions.