Non-communicable disease risk factors: a cross-sectional study among the adult population of rural Patna, India

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, primarily driven by cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and chronic respiratory conditions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of NCD risk factors among adults in a rural area of Patna, Bihar. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted over two months (April–May 2024) among adults aged 18 years and above using convenience sampling. Data were collected using a modified WHO STEPS tool through face-to-face interviews, along with physical and biochemical measurements. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests, were applied for analysis. Results: Among 211 participants (mean age: 47.05±16.63 years), tobacco use (31% smoking, 36.8% smokeless) and alcohol consumption (42.5%) were markedly higher among males, while inadequate fruit and vegetable intake was common in both sexes; physical activity was higher in males (64.4%) than females (53.2%). Hypertension was observed in 21.8% of males and 17.7% of females. Overweight was more prevalent in males (37.9%), whereas obesity was slightly higher in females (22.6%). Despite this, central obesity was notably high, affecting 85.1% of males and 76.6% of females, indicating increased metabolic risk even among individuals with normal or mildly elevated BMI. Overall, 74.88% of participants had three or more NCD risk factors, indicating a clustering of NCDs, with no significant association across socio-demographic variables. Conclusions: A high burden of clustered NCD risk factors across all groups highlights the need for population-wide prevention and early screening strategies.