Urban Area Of Puducherry Research Articles

Community Perception on Rabies Prevention and Control Among the General Population in Puducherry: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Rabies, a deadly viral disease transmitted through animal bites, poses a significant public health challenge in many regions, including Puducherry. Effective prevention and control rely heavily on community awareness and perception. Understanding how the general population perceives rabies risk and prevention strategies is crucial for developing targeted public health interventions. Objectives: To describe the sociodemographic profile and to assess community perceptions of rabies prevention and control among the general population in Puducherry. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study, conducted in the rural and urban Puducherry region from October 2023 to December 2023. A total of 200 individuals were chosen from rural and urban Puducherry regions using a systematic random sampling technique. Individuals over 18 years of age residing in both rural and urban areas of Puducherry were included in the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and entered in MS Excel 2019. Chi-square test was applied to test the difference in knowledge between urban and rural. Results: The majority of the study participants belonged to the age group of 18-29 years (55%), 152 were males and 48 were females. Most of the participants (99%) heard about Rabies and their source of knowledge about Rabies was from Doctors (40.5%), Newspapers & Media (39.5%), and Friends (19.0%). Approximately 82.5% of participants were aware of how rabies is transmitted, while 78.5% understood the signs of the disease. Conclusion: Education plays a significant role in the awareness of rabies as most participants were educated at least up to the primary level in the current study. According to our findings, clear gaps exist in rural people's understanding and attitudes toward rabies prevention and control.

Prevalence of Domestic Violence and Perceived Stress Among Married Women in an Urban Area of Puducherry: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Domestic violence is one of the major issues faced globally but it is not addressed properly due to a lack of knowledge about domestic violence and its ill effects. Thus this study aimed to determine the prevalence of domestic violence and perceived stress among married women in an urban area of Puducherry. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted among 350 married women of age in urban Villianur from March 2021 to March 2022. They were interviewed with a questionnaire containing socio-demographic profile and Perceived Stress scale. Results: In this study, the prevalence of domestic violence were 77(22%). Among 350 participants 3.2% had high stress score using Perceived stress scale. There is no significant association with domestic violence and perceived stress. Conclusion: Current prevalence of Domestic violence was high which was similar to studies done in Puducherry and moderate level of perceived stress was reported among the participants. Hence emphasis should be made on finding domestic violence victims in primary health care settings which is an iceberg of the society and helping them by counseling and with programmes available in India.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Lifestyle and Mental Health of Children in the Puducherry District: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

The COVID-19 pandemic has tremendously disrupted societal behaviors and norms. People had to cope with new situations, including restrictions on free movement, home confinement, and school closures, among others. With less scope for physical classes, online classes became rampantly common during and after the pandemic. A virtual learning platform cannot replace the societal learning and preparation of children that normally occurs in school settings. The pandemic had a multifaceted impact on children, disrupting their routine work, social life, and mental health. Such uncertain circumstances are bound to interfere with their emotional well-being, with long-term consequences. It is imperative to screen for the effects of the pandemic situation among children for timely action. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in both rural and urban areas of Puducherry, India, between February and April 2022, toward the fag end of the pandemic. Face-to-face interviews were conducted among caregivers of 621 children aged 6-17 years. Details such as sociodemographic, personal, and behavioral aspects of the child were collected. Emotional and behavioral difficulties during the pandemic were assessed using the parent (caregiver) version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-25 (SDQ-25). Univariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test. Four different regression models were fitted to ascertain the factors influencing the overall difficulty score as well as the SDQ subscales, namely, the internalizing, externalizing, and prosocial scores. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. Overall, 101 (16.3%) children aged 6-17 years were likely to have emotional and behavioral difficulties according to the SDQ scores. Abnormal externalizing, internalizing, and prosocial scores were documented among 160 (25.8%), 258 (41.5%), and 285 (45.9%) children, respectively. Caregivers reported disruptions in their children's academic performance (426, 68.6%), sleeping patterns (269, 43.3%), and eating habits (256, 41.2%). The use of digital devices for noneducational purposes was reported among 97 (35.9%) children. Younger caregivers (18-45 years), children who used digital devices for >2 hours per day, children who experienced any death due to COVID-19 in their family, and caregivers who perceived that the psychological changes in their children were due to the pandemic were predictors of abnormal SDQ scores. Physical activity for more than two hours per day reduced the risk of emotional and behavioral difficulties in children by 60%. This research underscores the potential ramifications of the pandemic on the mental well-being and lifestyle of children. Implementing initiatives that promote positive mental health and conducting preventive screening for vulnerable populations, such as children, are considered essential, anticipating the challenges posed by such unprecedented pandemic circumstances in the future.

Effectiveness of nurse-led intervention on weight reduction among adults in urban Puducherry - A randomized controlled pilot trial.

The recent spike in the incidence of type 2 diabetes is most likely caused by the obvious rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity. The risk of developing noncommunicable illnesses can be prevented and reduced with even modest weight loss. This study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention (NLI) strategy on weight reduction among adults in urban Puducherry. A two-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled study with an open label was conducted with obese adults in urban areas of Puducherry, namely Nesavalar colony and Govindanpet, from November 2022 to February 2023. Totally, 88 obese adults were randomized using a simple random sampling method to either the NLI arm or the general care (GC) arm. WHO STEPS (version 3.2) questionnaire was adopted to gather baseline and end line data. NLI arm participants received NLI and GC arm participants received GC from urban primary health center. In statistical analysis, the proportion was used to summarize categorical variables. The parametric and nonparametric tests were applied based on the variable type and normality of the data. Multiple linear regressions were used with outcome changes in weight in the NLI arm. At 16 weeks, the NLI arm lost a mean weight of - 2.58 kg and the GC arm gained 0.38 kg with a mean difference in weight of 2.96 between arms. A significant reduction was found (P < 0.001) in weight, waist circumference, body mass index, and also found significant improvement in cholesterol profile and thyroid stimulating hormone. This community-based NLI study is effective for weight reduction in urban Puducherry and it lowers the risk of developing noncommunicable diseases among adults. Due to the larger size of the geographical area and the more number of clusters, a stringent follow-up plan and extra manpower must be created for the main study.

Smart approach in impact of cumin powder on obesity among adults in urban area of Puducherry, India

Smart approach in impact of cumin powder on obesity among adults in urban area of Puducherry, India

Smart approach in impact of cumin powder on obesity among adults in urban area of Puducherry, India

Smart approach in impact of cumin powder on obesity among adults in urban area of Puducherry, India

Protocol of Randomized Controlled Trial to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Nurse-Led Intervention on Weight Reduction among Adults with Obesity in Urban Areas of Puducherry.

A large percentage of non-communicable diseases are preventable through the reduction of behavioral risk factors which is due to physical inactivity and unhealthy diet. Reducing the burden of obesity is likely to make a substantial impact on mitigating the mortality and morbidity due to non-communicable diseases. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a nurse-led intervention on weight reduction among urban adults. This trial is a two-arm parallel group randomized controlled trial comparing the intervention arm-nurse-led intervention (NLI, n = 219) with the control arm-general care (GC, n = 219). Participants randomized to the NLI group will receive the interventional package for 12 months which includes health education and motivational strategies during follow-up. Baseline, 6-month and 12-month follow-ups will be conducted to assess primary and secondary outcomes for both arms using the WHO Steps questionnaire. The analysis will use an intention-to-treat approach to examine the change in behavioral and physical and biochemical parameters. The nurse-led intervention aims to provide an evidence-based acceptable and flexible support strategy for weight reduction in obese adults. This will impart healthy life skills to adults and also improve their health status and enable an adult to take charge of their health and this will ultimately prevent or delay non-communicable diseases. Clinical Trials Registry India, CTRI/2021/12/038785. Registered prospectively with CTRI on 21/12/2021.

A Descriptive Comparative Study to Assess the Knowledge Regarding Play Home Environment among Mother’s of Preschool Children at Selected Rural and Urban Areas

A descriptive comparative study was undertaken to assess the knowledge regarding play home environment among mothers of preschool children at selected rural and urban areas of Puducherry. A sample of 140 mothers (70 from urban &amp; 70 from rural) with children in the age group of 3 to 6 years was selected by non-probability purposive sampling technique. Home observational visit and interview technique was employed to assess the knowledge of the mothers of Preschoolers regarding play home environment. The collected data was analyzed using descriptive comparative statistics. The findings of the descriptive and comparative study revealed that The association of Knowledge of 140 samples were considered, overall stimulation (Total Percentile Range) given by the mothers to their children showed majority of the mother’s stands on Middle half with 60.7% &amp; minor mother’s stands on Upper fourth with 15%. Comparison of mother’s knowledge on urban &amp; rural data shows that the Knowledge on overall stimulation (Total Percentile Range) given by the mothers to their children showed majority of the mother’s stands on Middle half with 60.7% &amp; minor mother’s stands on Upper fourth with 15% and p value is 0.000. The finding of the study showed that the demographic variables such as Locality (nuclear family), Birth order of the child (birth order of 1), Age of the child (4 – 4.11 age group), Educational qualification of partner (educational status of class XII &amp; Graduate), Employment of mother (not employed), Employment of father (employed), Religion (Hindu), Type of family (nuclear family), Sex of the child (male children’s &gt; female) influence the knowledge of mother regarding play home environment whereas Educational qualification of mother (educational status of no &amp; elementary education) doesn’t influence the knowledge. The study concluded that in the assessment of findings of knowledge of mothers of preschoolers on play home environment on urban and rural mothers, urban mother’s got satisfactory knowledge on overall play &amp; its environment with most of them in middle half percentile compared to rural mothers.

Assessment of breeding sites and seroprevalence of dengue in an urban area of Puducherry – A community-based study

Background: Dengue virus infection is an important global public health issue. India is one of the high-burden countries with the resurgence of dengue in recent years. Surveillance based on hospital data can be misleading. Seroprevalence studies in the community are extremely useful in measuring the extent of transmission. This community-based study was done to identify the breeding sites of the Aedes mosquito and measure the seroprevalence of dengue infection in an urban area of Puducherry.Methodology: A cross-sectional study was done for 6 months in an urban area of Puducherry to assess the breeding sites for dengue and to find the serological prevalence of dengue. House-to-house visits were done in the study area to collect details on sociodemographic data, environmental data, and breeding sites for dengue. Blood samples were obtained from all willing participants aged 9 years and above to detect specific immunoglobulin G antibodies to dengue virus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results: The seroprevalence of dengue infection was found to be 8.3%. Flower vase with water 72 (18%), animal water container 32 (8%), roof gutter/sunshades, 25 (6.3%), and open water storage tanks 18 (4.5%) were the most commonly prevalent breeding sites in the study area. The houses with potential breeding sites, such as roof gutters and sunshades, were significantly associated with the prevalence of dengue seropositivity among the study participants.Conclusion: The seroprevalence was found to be relatively low in the study area and the potential breeding sites for dengue were identified.

Prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in an urban area of Puducherry

Background: Diabetic Peripheral neuropathy has a strong association with development of foot ulcers and non-traumatic amputations. Screening helps in identification of the disease in early stage. Objective: To assess the prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients in urban Puducherry. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted among 225 known case of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in urban Villianur from January 2019 to May 2020. Semmes Weinstein monofilament test and Pre-tested Toronto Clinical Scoring System questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy among Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients. Results: Majority of the participants were females (72%) with their mean age of 58.7+9.9. Prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral neuropathy among the participants was 73%. Interpretation & Conclusion: Current prevalence of Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy was high among the participants hence more emphasis should be added on screening for complication and preventing them.

Extent of difference between male and female gender preference and associated factors among currently married women of reproductive age group in Puducherry, India

BackgroundTo assess the pattern and extent of male and female gender preference and its associated factors among currently married women of reproductive age group in Puducherry, coastal south India. MethodsThis community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 2016 to 2017 among 2228 currently married women residing in selected rural and urban areas of Puducherry, India. Details of pattern and associated factors of gender preference were assessed based on National Family Health Survey questionnaire. Sociodemographic and personal factors were collected by structured proforma. Log binomial regression analysis was done to find the factors associated with gender preference. ResultsAbout 1979 women participated. Preference for male and female child was 27.9% and 22.5% respectively. Others had equal (46.1%) or no preference (3.5%) on gender. Majority of them preferred two children (1528, 77.2%) and among them, 59.2% (904) preferred one boy and one girl. Those who preferred one child, male child preference (51.8%) is more than female child preference (20.1%). Number of living children (1,2, ≥3), preferred children (1,3) and those from urban areas had more male preference; age group (35 to 39 years), number of living children (1,2, ≥3), preferred children (3,4,5) and those from urban areas had significantly more female preference compared to their counterparts in the adjusted analysis. ConclusionsOverall, preference of male child was higher than female child. Those who preferred one child, margin is wider with male preference more than female preference. This group requires special support and follow up health care services like counselling to equalize the preference.

Health insurance coverage and its determinants among middle-income households in Urban Puducherry: A mixed methods study.

In India, there exists public health insurance for government employees and poor people. However, the middle-income households (MIHs) remain neglected. The study was conducted to find out the coverage of health insurance and its determinants among MIH. It was a community-based sequential exploratory mixed methods study. Group interview and key informant interview were conducted among various stakeholders related to insurance coverage. The quantitative survey was done among 400 randomly selected head of households (HoHs) in an urban area of Puducherry. Manual content analysis was done for qualitative data. Generalized linear model with Poisson distribution was used to calculate the adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) using Stata software. The coverage of health insurance among the MIH was 41% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 36.1-50). The major reasons reported for not having insurance were poor financial status (63.7%) and lack of felt needs (59.4%). The significant determinants for the lack of health insurance among MIH were unskilled occupation (aPR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13-2.34) and lower education status (aPR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.22-2.64) of HoH and less monthly family income (aPR: 2.19, 95% CI: 1.18-4.08). The health insurance coverage of 41% among MIH is better despite the fact that there was no public insurance scheme available for them in Puducherry. The MIH with the identified determinants might be considered in future for including them under publicly sponsored health insurance scheme.

Prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, attempts and its associated factors in selected rural and urban areas of Puducherry, India.

The Union Territory of Puducherry has a high rate of suicide in India. This study aims to find the prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan and suicide attempts and the risk factors of suicidal behaviours. This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among adults aged 18years and above in rural and urban areas of Puducherry, India. Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale questionnaire was used. Prevalence ratio was estimated to assess the factors associated. The 12-month and lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation was reported to be 12.5% (95% CI: 10.4-15.0%) and 20% (95% CI: 17.4-22.9%), respectively. About 0.7% (95% CI: 0.3-1.5%) and 2.1% (95% CI: 1.2-3.3%) of the participants had suicide plan in past 12months and ever in their lifetime, respectively. Around 1% (95% CI: 0.5-2.0%) and 5.7% (95% CI: 4.3-7.6%) of the participants had attempted suicide in past 12months and ever in their lifetime, respectively. Family issues, physical abuse, unemployment and place of residence were significantly associated with suicidal ideation in multivariable analysis. Prevalence of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt were very high in the study area. Unemployment, physical abuse and family issues were significantly associated with suicidal behaviour.

Impact of Alcoholism on Health in Urban Area of Puducherry, India

Impact of Alcoholism on Health in Urban Area of Puducherry, India

Does hypertension deteriorate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL)? A matched cross-sectional analytical study in an urban area of Puducherry, South India

Introduction: Hypertension is a chronic disease which necessitates daily medication intake and changes in the lifestyles. This may influence the quality of life. Aims and Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the health-related quality life of hypertensive individuals and age- and gender-matched nonhypertensive individuals in an urban area of Puducherry. Setting and Design: The cross-sectional analytical study was conducted as facility as well as community-based study. Methodology: The study involved 101 hypertensive patients attending the outpatient department of an Urban Health Training Center and 101 age- and gender-matched nonhypertensive individuals recruited from the community. The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was measured using Short Form-12 (SF-12) questionnaire. The HRQoL was expressed in eight domains: physical functioning, physical role play, bodily pain, general health, vitality, emotional role play, social functioning, and mental health. The data were entered in Epidata software, and analysis with unpaired t-test was done using SPSS software for comparison of scores between the two groups. Results: The hypertensive individuals were found to have lower quality of life in both physical and mental domains compared to nonhypertensive individuals. The physical functioning, bodily pain, and general health domains of physical component recorded statistically significant difference. Conclusion: Hypertensive individuals have poor quality of life, especially in physical component domain in our study population. Hypertensive individuals merit a vulnerable population and need special focus by health-care providers in the context of achieving universal health coverage and sustainable goals.

Clustering of cardiovascular disease risk factors - Syndemic approach: Is sit a time to shift toward integrated noncommunicable disease clinic?

The concurrent occurrence of many noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factors is common, and it can play a synergistic role in occurrence of NCDs. This study aimed to identify the magnitude of clustering of NCD risk factors, patterns of risk factors emerged in clustering, and variations in clustering of risk factors based on socioeconomic factors. A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in an urban area of Puducherry among 2399 adults during 2014-2015. Sociodemographic and behavioral risk factors were assessed through a validated STEPS survey tool. Individuals with three or more risk factors were classified to have clustering of NCD risk factors. Socioeconomic positions in relation to clustering were identified through Chi-square analysis followed by multiple logistic regression where clustering at family and area was adjusted through multilevel modeling techniques. Of the 2399 adults, 1741 (73%) had clustering of NCD risk factors. Inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, high salt intake, and high waist circumference are the three predominant risk factors across all subgroups. Adults belonging to Christian religion (adjusted odds ratio [adjOR]: 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.5-5.2), aged 35 years and over (adjOR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.4-6.0), and illiterates (adjOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-5.5) are more likely to have clustered NCD risk factors compared to others. Clustering of NCD risk factors is highly prevalent in this region and mainly driven by dietary practices and obesity measures. There is an urgent need to reorient the health system toward integrated approach with mandated inclusion of nutritionist in NCD health service delivery.

Menstrual disorders and quality of life of women in an urban area of Puducherry: A community-based cross-sectional study.

Background:Menstrual disorders are common among women in reproductive age group and affect their normal functioning and social life. Due to cultural reasons, menstrual problems often get unreported. In India, the literature on the effect of menstrual disorders on the quality of life (QOL) of women is limited.Objectives:To estimate the prevalence of menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea among women in an urban field practice area and to compare their QOL with women without menstrual disorders.Methods:This is a community-based cross-sectional study among women who have attained menarche and not yet attained menopause in an urban field practice area of a tertiary care teaching institute in Puducherry. Households were selected by systematic random sampling, and a door-to-door survey was done using an Android-based mobile phone app Epi Info. A pretested questionnaire was used for collection of sociodemographic details. QOL was measured using World Health Organization BREF scale.Results:A total of 119 women were interviewed, and their mean (standard deviation) age was 33 (10) years. The majority was homemakers (63%), belonging to lower socioeconomic status (60%) and one-fifth had no formal education. The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 45% [95% confidence interval (CI): 36.6%–54.4%] and that of menorrhagia was 17% (95% CI: 11.6%–25.3%). QOL in women with dysmenorrhea was poor compared with normal women in physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains (mean score 57.9 vs. 69.7, P < 0.001).Conclusions:Prevalence of dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia is comparatively high in this study area. QOL of women with these disorders was poor.

A Descriptive Study to Identify the Risk Factors and Level of Cardiac Risk among Adults in Puducherry

Background:Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being (WHO). Individual health will be affected by multiple factors of physical, behavioural and social, economic causes. Non-communicable diseases are more prevalent in recent eras due to changes in lifestyle, food patterns, physical activities, etc. Cardiovascular diseases are universal threat. Obesity is associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. High blood cholesterol is one of the major cardiovascular risk factors and plays a crucial role in causing cardiovascular disease. Methods and Material:Door-to-door survey was conducted at randomly selected urban areas of Puducherry among adults using a modified STEP Tool checklist and biological, physiological and behavioural risk factors among adults. Results:The study results revealed the that physiological and biological risk factors of cardiac risk among healthy adults; about 30.7% (71) of them had hypercholesterolemia and 65.8% (152) of them had obesity (based on WHO criteria) about 59.8%, 33.6% and 6.6% of them were had obesity Grades I, II and III, respectively. Almost 31.6% (73) of them had elevated systolic blood pressure. About behavioural characteristics 25.1% (58) of them were alcoholics, 10.8% (25) of them were tobacco users and about 98.3% (227) of them were following an unhealthy dietary pattern. Assessment of cardiac risk factors that majority of the healthy adults 55.8% (129) were having low cardiac risk, 39.0% (90) of them were having moderate cardiac risk and only 5.2% (12) were having no cardiac risk. Conclusion:Prevalence of physiological, biological and behavioural risk factors like hypercholesterolemia, obesity, systolic hypertension, gender and alcoholism, tobacco use was higher among healthy adults. By using step tool, cardiac risk assessment showed that no risk adults were lesser then to moderate risk and 50% of them were low risk.

Prevalence and risk factors for bronchial asthma in an urban area of Puducherry: a cross-sectional study

Background: Food allergy is mostly IgE-mediated which is estimated to affect 6% to 8% children and 3% to 4% adults the clinical and social impact of which takes a hard toll in early childhood. The objective of this study is to study the magnitude of food allergy and differences in food allergens among the urban and rural school-going children.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 school going children, aged 5-10 years, attending to two private schools (n=192) and two government schools (n=158) in the urban and rural field practice areas respectively and data regarding food allergens was collected using a semi-structured proforma.Results: There was a significant higher (p&lt;0.001) proportion of wheeze symptomatics among the urban (n=70, 44.3%) than the rural students (n=37, 19.3%). The students had higher allergies to Ice-cream (14.57%, n=51), prawn (11.14%, n=39), peanut (14.57%, n=51), garlic (14.57%, n=51), fish (11.14%, n=39) and milk (11.14%, n=39).Conclusions: There was a higher proportion of food allergy among the urban school students compared to the rural students. The food allergens also varied significantly in their influence on food allergy among the urban and rural areas.

A16650 Hypertension and mental health status among residents of urban Puducherry

Objectives: To assess the the association of behavioural risk factors including hypertension and mental health status among adult population of Puducherry. Methods: a community based cross sectional study among 569 adults with age 18 years and above residing in urban area of Puducherry. Structured questionnaire including socio- demographic, lifestyle (smoking, alcohol drinking, diet and exercise) was used. Assessment of mental health status of individuals was done through General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Participants with total GHQ scores of 4 or more were defined as having poor mental health. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences. Results: Among 569 study subjects interviewed, almost half (48%) were aged less than 40 years and 52% (n = 295) were men. The prevalence of various risk factors was; tobacco use (13.4%), alcohol consumption (14.2%), physical inactivity (51.5%), unhealthy diet (86.5%), overweight (36.0%), obesity (21.3%), abdominal obesity (63.3), hypertension (25.3%) and pre-hypertension (47.8%). More than two-third (69.2%) of participants had good mental health. Fifty four (9.5%) of participants had psychological distress. Hypertension, Prehypertension, Smoking and alcohol consumption were associated with poor mental health whereas there was no significant association of physical inactivity with mental distress. Conclusion: The finding indicates that behavioural risk factors were more prevalent among the male population and lifestyle factors were associated with mental health.