Abstract

Background and Objectives: India is facing the dual burden of non-communicable disease along with communicable diseases. High prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and their risk factors are being reported in India. For reducing the high cost of health care and premature loss of life these risk factors are to be identified early and controlled. This study aims to estimate the burden of diabetes, hypertension, renal failure and risk factors like overweight, smoking, over use of alcohol and physical inactivity among a rural community in Kerala, India. Methods: A survey was conducted among an estimated sample of 802 adults aged 20 years and above in a rural Panchayat in northern Kerala. The presence of diabetes, hypertension and renal diseases among the subjects were obtained from medical records and treatment history. Data on smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity were obtained by interview, and Body mass index and blood pressure were obtained by measurement. Prevalence rates were obtained by data analysis using computer software. Results and Interpretations: The mean age of subjects was 47.1(CI = 46 to 48.2). The prevalence of hypertension was 25.7% and diabetes 21.3% (already diagnosed cases only) and 10.3% of subjects had both. 5.7% of subjects had chronic kidney disease already diagnosed indicating inadequate control of diabetes and hypertension. Smoking was reported by 37.2% of men, regular alcohol consumption by 2.5% men and low level of physical activity by 17.7% of all. Conclusions: There is high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes. High prevalence of kidney disease points to inadequate control of diabetes and hypertension. There is also high prevalence of smoking among men.

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