Anthropometric and behavioral risk factor for non-communicable diseases: a cluster survey from rural Wardha

Monitoring of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) over a period of time would be useful to make an indirect assessment of the actual disease burden. A cross-sectional survey was done among males aged 15-64 years, to study the prevalence of anthropometric and behavioral risk factors of NCDs. Information was collected on the sociodemographical factors, tobacco use, alcohol intake, diet, salt consumption, and physical activity, using a predesigned and pretested interview schedule. Anthropometric measurements were taken. A study found that prevalence of current smoking and use of smokeless tobacco was 14.2 and 54.9%, respectively. Alcohol intake was present in 22.7% of the study population. Per capita salt consumption per day was 14.6 g. A sedentary lifestyle was present among 19% of the men. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 8.8% and 9.5%, respectively. Our finding suggested that greater surveillance of the NCD risk factors should be initiated as early as possible, in parallel with surveillance for communicable diseases.