Risk factor profile for Chronic Non-Communicable diseases in Public Institutions in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India

INTRODUCTION: Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death globally, killing more people each year than all other causes combined. NCDs are caused, to a large extent, by four behavioural risk factors that are pervasive aspects of economic transition, rapid urbanization and 21st-century lifestyles: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, insufficient physical activity and the harmful use of alcohol.

METHODS:  This was a cross sectional study conducted in urban population aged 18 yrs and above. WHO STEPs approach was used to find the prevalence of risk factors. The study sample was taken from the public institutions of urban field practice area of department of community medicine, IGMC, Shimla.

RESULTS:  A total of 350 participants were included in the study. The overall prevalence of Tobacco use was 23.4%. 21.4% were current smokers. The prevalence of alcohol consumption was 36%. None of the participant was consuming more than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Physical inactivity was seen in 51%. 33.1% of the participants were overweight and 6% were obese

CONCLUSIONS:  This study shows the high burden of risk factors for non communicable diseases in the working population. Workplaces having productive populations need special attention owing to their higher vulnerability for NCDs. Action should be oriented toward curbing the NCD risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles to reduce NCD incidence rates and push back the age of NCD onset