2022, Vol. 4, Issue 1, Part A

Background: “Many of the deaths from NCD’s could be presented through simple lifestyle related changes” the present levels of risk factors exposure will be useful in predicting future risk and also it is useful in implementation of needed health measures and health policies for the prevention of NCD’s among risk population. So this study was planned to measures the prevalence of risk factors of NCD’s in a selected rural location of Chamarajanagar.

Objective: The main objective of the study is to measure the prevalence of modifiable risk factors of non - communicable diseases in selected rural locality of Chamarajanagar.

Methodology: This study was done with 120 individuals aged 20-60 years in selected rural locality of Chamarajnagar. Questionnaire was used to collect the information on socio-demographic characteristics and behavioural risk factors (tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diet and physical activity) followed by physical measurements (height, weight, waist circumference and blood pressure).

Results: Tobacco use and alcohol consumption were observed in 20% and 26.66% of the study population respectively. Low levels of physical activity were recorded among 46.66% respondents inadequate consumption of fruit and vegetables was observed among 98.33% of respondents. Prevalence of general and central obesity in study population was 26.33% and 28.33% respectively. Hypertension was prevalent among 31.66% respondents.

The survey demonstrated gender differences in prevalence of risk factors with higher prevalence in male than females for tobacco use, alcohol consumption, inappropriate dietary intake and hypertension, while lower prevalence for males regarding physical inactivity, general and central obesity. It was also observed that risk factors were more prevalent in the age group of 51-60 years as compared to other age group.

Conclusion: High prevalence of NCD risk factors was observed among study population. So occurrence of NCD can be prevented among population by implementation of awareness programme on healthy lifestyles. Prevention of NCD for public and population based approach using the primary health care system for risk reduction, early detection and treatment is wanted.