Prevalence and Predictors of Risk Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases among women in an Urbanized Village of India

The burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and their risk factors among the underprivileged women of the urban areas are expected to increase. The objective of the study was to estimate the prevalence and sociodemographic predictors of these risk factors.

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 370 women between 25 and 64 years in an urbanized village of India. Risk factors for NCDs were assessed using the WHO STEPS instrument. To determine the sociodemographic predictors of these risk factors binary logistic regression was used.

The prevalence of tobacco consumption, physical inactivity, and insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, overweight, and obesity was found to be 18.3%, 61.6%, 96.5%, 27.6%, and 5.9%, respectively. Raised blood pressure, blood glucose, and cholesterol were found to be present in 23%, 22%, and 42%, respectively. Older age was found to be a significant predictor of tobacco consumption, physical inactivity, raised blood pressure, and raised blood glucose.

The current study reported a high prevalence of physical inactivity and insufficient fruit and vegetable intake, with age being a significant predictor of the majority of risk factors. Thus, arises the need for programs and policies tailored toward addressing the local needs, targeted toward older women.