A Community-Based Study to Assess Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factors and Health-Seeking Behaviour Among Adults of Rural Population of North India

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs are a growing public health concern in India, with an increasing burden in rural populations due to lifestyle changes, limited awareness, and inadequate access to healthcare services. Understanding NCD risk factors and health-seeking behaviour is essential for effective prevention and control strategies.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors and to evaluate health-seeking behaviour among adults in a rural population of North India.

Materials and Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2024 to June 2025 in the rural field practice area of Integral Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, North India. A total of 657 adults aged ≥18 years or older were selected using simple random sampling through a house-to-house survey. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPS approach. Anthropometric measurements and blood pressure were recorded using standard procedures. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26. Descriptive statistics were used, and associations were tested using the Chi-square test, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: The prevalence of current tobacco use and alcohol consumption was 37.0% and 29.8%, respectively. Nearly half of the participants (48.4%) were physically inactive, and 65.0% reported inadequate fruit and vegetable intake. Overweight and obesity were observed in 46.6% of participants. Hypertension and known diabetes mellitus were present in 33.2% and 18.4% of participants, respectively. Regular health check-ups were reported by only 32.6% of participants, and 38.6% of known NCD cases showed irregular treatment adherence. Poor health-seeking behaviour was significantly associated with tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and hypertension (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The study reveals a high burden of NCD risk factors and suboptimal health-seeking behaviour among adults in a rural population of North India. Strengthening primary healthcare services, promoting lifestyle modification, and improving community awareness are essential to curb the rising burden of NCDs in rural areas.