Risk factors of diabetes and hypertension among women in Karnataka

The growth in prevalence of diabetes and hypertension has become a major health issue for women in Karnataka. In India, for the first time, the National Family Health Survey has collected information on diabetes and hypertension across the states within India (NFHS-4, 2015-16). Hence there is the need to estimate the prevalence of diabetes and hypertension among women and the associated risk factors using the national represented data.

This study has used data from the fourth round of the National Family Health Survey, which was conducted in 2015-16. Furthermore, the present study included 26,291 women of Karnataka aged 15-49 years. And data analysis was carried out by univariate, bivariate and Binary Logistic Regression techniques.

This study revealed a high prevalence of diabetes (6.3%) and hypertension (10.5%) among women in Karnataka. Overweight women were more likely to have diabetes (11.7%) and hypertension (20.6%) than normal and underweight women. The detailed analysis indicated demographic and socio-economic diversity in the burden of diabetes and hypertension. The factors responsible for co-morbidities were the changes in the demographic situation and socio-economic status, overweight and substance use.

The findings point to the need for raising awareness about the prevention and management of diabetes and hypertension through health education and community-based disease management programs with the help of trained peers and community health workers.