Risk Assessment for Non Communicable Diseases among Adults in a Rural Area of Eastern India: A Single Centre Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) cause significant premature mortality. Prevention of major cardiovascular disease risk factors, like diabetes and hypertension, is a priority for public health. Aim: To estimate the risk assessment of NCD using the Community-Based Assessment Checklist (CBAC) scoring system developed by the Government of India among adults in rural areas. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults attending the hospital at the rural health training centre of Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, from March 2023 to August 2023 using consecutive sampling. Face-toface interviews using a structured CBAC questionnaire and socio-demographic variables were used to gather data on age, tobacco consumption, alcohol intake, waist measurement, physical inactivity, and family history. Data were analysed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 and interpreted in frequencies, percentages, and the Chi-square test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall risk of NCD was estimated to be 57.25%. The risk of NCD was significantly associated with age (p-value <0.00001), tobacco consumption (p-value <0.0001), alcohol consumption (p-value <0.0001), waist circumference (p-value <0.0001), physical activity (p-value=0.000018), family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular illness (p-value <0.00001), education (p-value=0.0079), and socioeconomic status (p-value=0.0415). Conclusion: The overall risk of NCD was estimated to be 57.25%. Most of the CBAC variables were found to have a significant association with NCD risk. However, no significant association was found between CBAC variables and gender. CBAC is a simple and economical screening tool employed at the community level so that early intervention strategies can be planned for those at risk of NCDs.