Study of demographic profile and risk factors of Non-communicable diseases in Kalaburagi district, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Background: The burden of non-communicable disease (NCDs) has changed over the decades, with increasing prevalence globally. The most common NCDs are obesity, hypertension and diabetes. The increased incidence of these disease highlights the need for epidemiological research at various level to calculate and estimate the burden and implement preventive measures for its control.

Material and methods: A cross-sectional observational study was done on 500 patients visiting the General Medicine OPD of a tertiary care hospital, Kalaburagi district, Karnataka, for a period of six months from December 2024 to May 2025. Patients aged more than 18 years and having at least one NCD were included in the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection.

Results: Around 500 patients with any one NCD visiting General Medicine OPD from December 2024 to May 2025 were screened. The mean age of 500 patients was 54.3 ± 6.7 years. Around 65% were male and 35% were female. The mean age of male and female was 54.1 yrs and 53.2 yrs respectively. The majority of patients were between the age group 45-65yrs of age both in males and females (276 patients, 55.2%). The most common NCD reported among our patients was obesity (56.6%) followed by diabetes (47%) and hypertension (46%), NAFLD (25%), cardiovascular diseases (10.4%), COPD (9.1) and stroke (6%) Among 500 patients, most of them belonged to Hindu religion (61.8%) followed by Christian (26.8%) and Muslim (11.4%). In the present study 86.4% were from urban area and 12.6% were from rural area belonging to socioeconomic class III (26.8%) and IV (21.4%). Obesity and hypertension were the most common NCDs in both urban and rural populations respectively. Majority had their schooling up to secondary and middle school. More than 50% i.e., 336 patients were aware about the nature, risk factors, and long-term complications of NCDs.  Among the modifiable risk factor sedentary life style was seen in 35.2%, excess calorie intake than the recommended quantity was consumed by 44.2%, smoking and alcohol intake was seen among 37.2% and 40.6% of patients with NCD respectively. Over 50% of patients reported a positive family history of non-communicable diseases, indicating a significant familial risk burden. Based on Body Mass Index (BMI), 19.2% were overweight and 56.6% obese. Elevated Waist: Hip Ratio (WHR) was seen among 66.6% of patients.

Conclusion: The sociodemographic profile and the risk factors contribute to most of the Non communicable diseases. Hence there is a need for educational intervention along with behavioural changes to delay the occurrence of various Non communicable diseases which can decrease the burden of these diseases in our country. 

Keywords: Non-communicable disease, Hypertension, Diabetes, Risk factors