Lifestyle diseases among the residents of ward 37 of Methala village
LIFESTYLE
DISEASES AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF WARD 37 OF METHALA VILLAGE
LAKSHMI C S
Natural science
Reg no: 233240114860
SNMTC, Moothakunnam
ABSTRACT
Lifestyle
diseases, also known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs), are a growing global
health concern. These include conditions such as diabetes, hypertension,
cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and certain cancers, which are primarily
caused by unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor diet, lack of physical
activity, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Here the study focuses on
the prevalence of lifestyle diseases in Methala village ward,37. Here survey
method is used to collect data, fifty individuals above the age 30 is taken for
the study. The study revealed that that majority of individuals suffering from different types of lifestyle
diseases. Significant portion of individuals suffer from various lifestyle
diseases such as diabetes being the most prevalent, followed by respiratory
diseases, hypertension and obesity. The rise in lifestyle
disorders not only affects individuals' quality of life but also places a
significant burden on healthcare systems. Preventive strategies such as
promoting physical activity, adopting healthy eating habits, managing stress,
and raising awareness are crucial in controlling the spread of these diseases.
This study explores the prevalence of lifestyle diseases.
INTRODUCTION
Lifestyle diseases, also known as non-communicable
diseases (NCDs), have become a major public health concern globally. These
diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension,
and certain types of cancers, are primarily caused by unhealthy lifestyle
choices such as poor diet, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption,
and smoking. Unlike infectious diseases, lifestyle diseases develop gradually
and are largely preventable through behavioral and environmental modifications.
In recent decades, the prevalence of lifestyle diseases has increased dramatically, especially in urban areas where sedentary living and unhealthy food habits are more common. The rapid urbanization, economic development, and technological advancements have altered traditional ways of living, leading to a shift from physically active to passive lifestyles. This transformation has contributed to an increase in health-related complications, reducing the quality of life and increasing mortality rates.
The increasing burden of lifestyle diseases is not just limited to developed countries. Traditionally, high-income nations were more affected due to the availability of processed foods, sedentary jobs, and urbanized living conditions. However, developing nations are now witnessing a surge in lifestyle-related health issues due to rapid economic growth, urban migration, and changing dietary patterns. The rising prevalence of fast-food consumption reduced physical activity, and increased stress levels has led to a sharp increase in cases of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension in countries like India, China, and Brazil.
In addition to health implications, lifestyle diseases
place a heavy financial burden on healthcare systems. The long-term medical
management of conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases requires
expensive medications, frequent hospital visits, and specialized treatments.
The growing number of cases has led to increased healthcare expenditures and
economic losses due to reduced productivity and premature deaths. The WHO
estimates that by 2030, the global economic cost of NCDs will exceed $47 trillion,
making lifestyle diseases a critical issue for governments and healthcare
policymakers worldwide.
India is currently experiencing an epidemiological
transition, shifting from communicable diseases to non-communicable diseases as
the leading cause of death. As per reports from the Indian Council of Medical
Research (ICMR), lifestyle diseases account for nearly 60% of total deaths in
the country. Among these, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, and
obesity are among the most common health concerns.
Lifestyle diseases are a growing threat that requires
immediate attention. Conducting surveys and research studies will provide
valuable insights into disease trends and help develop targeted interventions
for promoting a healthier society. The key to combating lifestyle diseases lies
in education, awareness, and lifestyle modifications, ensuring a longer,
healthier life for future generations.
NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY
Lifestyle diseases, including heart disease, diabetes,
and hypertension, are a growing global concern, causing 75% of all deaths
worldwide, with a sharp rise in low- and middle-income countries. In India,
unhealthy diets contribute to 54% of the disease burden, and diabetes rates are
surging due to urbanization and sedentary lifestyles. Kerala, despite its
strong health indicators, faces a high prevalence of lifestyle diseases, with
45% of its population at risk, as per a recent health survey. To combat this
crisis, proactive measures such as early screening, lifestyle modifications,
and strengthened healthcare policies are essential to curb the growing burden
of non-communicable diseases.
By conducting this survey, we can contribute to the
ongoing efforts to combat lifestyle diseases by providing data-driven
recommendations for promoting healthier living.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The primary
objective of this survey-based study is:
·
To
study the prevalence of major lifestyle diseases among residents of ward 37,
Methala village.
METHODOLOGY
METHOD ADOPTED
Normative survey method was used for the study
SAMPLE
50 individuals above the age 30 from ward 37, Methala is selected as the sample. The respondents were given questionnaire, and the data were collected from them through google forms and the individuals were also contacted personally to collect the information. The data collected were tabulated and analyzed. The statistical method used for the data analysis was computation of percentage.
TOOLS USED
The
tool used for the present study was QUESTIONNAIRE ON “LIFESTYLE DISEASES”
ANALYSIS AND
INTERPRETATION
OVERALL ANALYSIS OF LIFESTYLE DISEASES
Table 1 shows the overall analysis of lifestyle
diseases of selected sample.
Table 1: Overall
analysis of lifestyle diseases
|
Total no.of individuals selected for the study. |
No.of individuals with lifestyle diseases |
No.of individuals without lifestyle diseases. |
|
50 |
35(70%) |
15(30%) |
Table 1 shows that majority of individuals i.e, 70%
are suffering from different lifestyle diseases and 30% do not. This shows the
high prevalence of lifestyle diseases.
OVERALL ANALYSIS OF LIFESTYLE
DISEASES
PREVALANCE OF LIFESTYLE DISEASE
Table 2 shows the
prevalence of lifestyle diseases.
Table 2:
prevalence of lifestyle diseases
|
Lifestyle disease |
No.of responses |
Percentage |
|
Diabetes |
22 |
44% |
|
Hypertension |
4 |
4% |
|
Obesity |
1 |
2% |
|
Heart disease |
0 |
0% |
|
Respiratory disease |
14 |
8% |
|
None |
15 |
30% |
|
Others |
4 |
8% |
Table 2 shows that diabetes is the most prevalent
lifestyle diseases i.e. 44%. Next prevalent lifestyle disease is respiratory
problems i.e. 8%. 4% individuals suffer from hypertension. 2% reported obesity.
30% individuals are free from lifestyle diseases. 8% reported that they suffer
from other lifestyle diseases such as depression, Gastrointestinal diseases and
high cholesterol.
PREVALACE OF LIFESTYLE DISEASE
Figure 2. Prevalence of lifestyle diseases
FAMILY HISTORY OF LIFESYLE DISEASES
Table 3 shows the family history of lifestyle diseases
among individuals.
Table: 3
History of lifestyle diseases
|
Family history of lifestyle
diseases. |
No.of responses |
Percentage |
|
Yes |
36 |
72% |
|
No |
14 |
28% |
Table 3 shows that
majority of the individuals, i.e. 72% have a family history of lifestyle
diseases. Findings indicate that 28% of individuals do not have a family
history of lifestyle diseases.
FAMILY HISTORY OF LIFESTYLE
DISEASES
Figure 3. Family history of lifestyle diseases
Table 4 shows the
challenges in maintaining a healthy lifestyle among individuals.
Table 4: challenges in
maintaining healthy lifestyle
|
Challenges in maintaining a
healthy life |
No.of responses |
Percentage |
|
Lack of time |
12 |
24% |
|
High cost of healthy food |
5 |
10% |
|
Lack of motivation |
1 |
2% |
|
Work related stress |
2 |
4% |
|
Lack of access to exercise |
5 |
10% |
|
Family responsibilities |
22 |
44% |
|
Others |
3 |
6% |
For 44 % individuals’ family responsibilities is the
major challenge in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. 24% individuals says that
lack of time as another challenge they face in maintaining a healthy life. 10%
individuals says that high cost of healthy food and lack of access to exercise
as another challenges.
Figure 4. Challenges in maintaining a healthy life
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSION
- The overall analysis of lifestyle diseases shows that majority of individuals suffering from different types of lifestyle diseases.
- Significant portion of individuals suffer from various lifestyle diseases such as diabetes being the most prevalent, followed by respiratory diseases, hypertension and obesity.
- Most individuals are aware of the risk factors for lifestyle diseases, but awareness may not always lead to preventive action.
- Family responsibilities are viewed as the primary barrier to maintain a healthy lifestyle, followed by time constraints. Other challenges such as the cost of healthy food and limited access to exercise are also noted, while lack of motivation and work-related stress are considered less significant obstacles.
Lifestyle diseases are preventable, and the solution lies in a collective effort to foster healthier habits. By raising awareness, providing the right resources, and creating environments that support healthy living, we can combat the rise of these diseases and improve overall public health. It is time to shift our focus from treatment to prevention and work toward a future where fewer people suffer from the preventable consequences of lifestyle-related illnesses.
REFERENCES
- World
Health Organization. (2014). Global Status Report on Noncommunicable Diseases
2014. Geneva: World Health Organization.
- Tandon, N., Anjana, R. M., Mohan, V., Kaur, T., Afshin, A., Ong, K., ... & Narayan, K. M. V. (2023). Metabolic non-communicable disease health report of India: the ICMR-INDIAB national cross-sectional study (ICMR-INDIAB-17). The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 11(7), 445-455. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(23)00163-8
- Press
Information Bureau, Government of India. (2022, February 8). Status of
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India.
- World Health Organization. (2014). Global Status Report on Noncommunicable Diseases 2014. Geneva: World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/807316
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