Behavioral risk factors of non communicable diseases: Experience from a village of Hoogly district, West Bengal

Abstract

Behavioral risk factors play an important role in causation of NCDs. Five of the top 10 risks worldwide is specific to non communicable disease. Ischemic heart disease and stroke are projected to increase further by 2020, and developing countries will experience the highest burden. The study was carried out to find out the prevalence of behavioral risk factors and their association with socio demographic variables. A cross sectional study was carried out among 730 subjects of 15-64 yr age group in a village of West Bengal with help of pre designed proforma. Data taken on socio demographic variables, behavioral risk factor and then analyzed using statistical software. Study population comprised of nearly 57% male, 70% Hindu, 20% illiterate and 35 % unemployed. Median PCI p.m. was Rs.1100/-. 22.9% used smoked and smokeless tobacco, 75.2% current tobacco users, 21% current drinkers, 38.5% had sedentary lifestyle, 27.1% heavily active, 46.2% took vegetables regularly, 40.8% took fruits regularly, nearly 50% added extra salt most of the times. Unsaturated oil was used by79.6%. Age, sex, PCI, employment, education seen to be associated significantly (p < .05, 95% CI) with physical activity. Education had significant association with many behavioral risk factors (p <.01). Healthy lifestyle and increase in level of education is the need of modern time.