ASSESSMENT OF LIFESTYLE RISK FACTORS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AMONG ADULTS IN RURAL AND URBAN COMMUNITIES: A COMPARATIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
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Keywords
Non-communicable diseases, Lifestyle risk factors, Rural population, Urban population, Hypertension, Diabetes mellitus, Physical inactivity, Public health.
Abstract
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, chronic respiratory disorders, and obesity, are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lifestyle-related risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, and chronic stress significantly contribute to the development and progression of NCDs. Rapid urbanization, socioeconomic transitions, and changing behavioral patterns have influenced the prevalence of these risk factors in both rural and urban populations. Understanding the distribution of lifestyle risk factors and their association with NCDs is essential for planning effective prevention and control strategies.
Objective:
To assess lifestyle risk factors among adults residing in rural and urban communities and to evaluate their association with the prevalence of non-communicable diseases.
Materials and Methods:
A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults aged 18 years and above, comprising 200 participants each from rural and urban communities. Participants were selected through multistage random sampling. Data were collected using a structured and pre-tested questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, tobacco and alcohol use, dietary habits, physical activity levels, sleep patterns, and stress-related factors. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure assessments were performed. Information regarding diagnosed NCDs was obtained through self-reports and available medical records. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression to determine associations between lifestyle factors and NCD prevalence.
Results:
The prevalence of at least one non-communicable disease was significantly higher in urban participants (38.5%) compared to rural participants (27.0%) (p < 0.05). Physical inactivity (46.5% vs. 28.0%), obesity (24.0% vs. 13.5%), and frequent consumption of processed foods (42.5% vs. 18.0%) were more common among urban residents. Tobacco use was higher among rural participants (31.0% vs. 22.5%). Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were significantly associated
with obesity, physical inactivity, unhealthy dietary habits, and tobacco use (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and tobacco consumption as independent predictors of NCD occurrence.
Conclusion:
Lifestyle-related risk factors are highly prevalent among both rural and urban populations, with notable differences in their distribution. Urban residents exhibited higher levels of physical inactivity and obesity, while tobacco use was more prevalent in rural areas. Targeted community-based interventions promoting healthy lifestyles, regular screening, and risk factor modification are essential to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases.
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Dr. Smita Pramod Dudhale
Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Gouri Devi Institute of Medical Science & Hospital, Durgapur, WB, India
