Family Health Survey Reveals Rising Prevalence Of NCDs In India

The recent release of key findings of Phase 1 of National Family Health Survey 5 (NFHS 5, 2019-2020) residing in 22 states/union territories (UTs)of India.

NFHS 5 (2019-2020) is a nationally representative household survey providing data on population, health and nutrition at the district, state and national levels. The current round had incorporated certain improvements by including individuals above the age of 15 years in the assessment of biomarkers such as random blood glucose and blood pressure levels whereas this was earlier limited to the age group of 15-49 years in NFHS 4 (2015-2016).

Obesity

The prevalence of overweight/obesity (defined as BMI ≥25kg/m2) is high as most states/UTs have reported it in 1 of every 5 persons. Andaman and Nicobar Islands report the highest prevalence of overweight/obesity (45.3% in men and 38.1% in women), followed by Lakshadweep (41.3% in men and 33.5% in women), Kerala(36.4% in men and 38.1% in women)and Goa (32.6% in men and 36.1% in women). The states of Meghalaya, Bihar and Assam have a lower proportion of people with overweight/obesity (ranging from 11.2% to 16.7%).

Also Read| The Family Health Survey And Some Food For Thought

Elevated Blood Glucose Levels

The survey data further shows that in 21 states/UTs, a higher percentage of men have RBG >140 mg/dl or are on medication for high blood sugar than women. This finding is in accordance to those of research studies which have found men to have a higher risk of incidence of diabetes when compared with women. Jammu and Kashmir is the only one with women having higher RBG than men. Higher RBG among men (>20%) was reported in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Goa, West Bengal and Lakshadweep with almost 1 in every 4 men in Kerala (27.0%) and Goa (24.1%) having elevated RBG. On the other hand, Jammu and Kashmir,and Ladakh reported only values of 8.0% and 8.3% among men respectively. Among women, only two states reported prevalence higher than 20% - Kerala (24.8%)andGoa (20.8%) while four states had prevalence less than 10%-Lakshadweep (6.7%),Jammu and Kashmir (8.7%), Nagaland (9.3%) and Meghalaya (9.5%).

Hypertension

Similar to high blood glucose levels, the data indicate an alarming picture with respect to hypertension as well. The findings indicate that 1 in every 5 persons suffers from hypertension (defined as SBP ≥140mmg Hg and/or DBP ≥90mmg Hg or is taking medication to control blood pressure) in 18 states/UTs. Sikkim reports the highest prevalence of hypertension in men (41.6%) and women (34.5%), followed by Manipur (men - 33.2% and women 23.0%), Kerala (men – 32.8% and women 30.9%) and Telangana (men – 31.4% and women 26.1%). Among the states, Bihar has the lowest prevalence of hypertension in both men (18.4%) and women (15.9%).

Also Read| No Big Surprises In Family Health Survey, Feel Experts

The chart given below summarises the above findings. The presence of overweight/obesity, hypertension and blood glucose analysed together indicates that certain states/UTs like Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Goa, and Andhra Pradesh stand out in the upper right quadrant. They have a high prevalence of overweight/obesity, hypertension and elevated RBG as compared to other states. This may suggest that individuals residing in these states/UTs may have a higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. On the other hand, Meghalaya, Bihar and Assam show a low prevalence of all the three parameters.

Prevalence of Overweight/Obesity, Hypertension and Blood Glucose Levels among Adults

{The dots indicate the weighted percentage of men and women with BMI/BP/RBG – weighted by the sex ratio of each state/UT}

Non-communicable diseases such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, as well as cardiovascular disease are lifelong illnesses and adversely affect the economic productivity and quality of life of the individual, family and the country at large. They add an immense burden on the existing health care infrastructure. India is still unable to control the rates of child malnutrition, anaemia and infections and the rise of NCDs will further add to the economic burden.

Thus, the states/UTs must focus on policy and programmes to lower the incidence of these NCDs as they will pose a huge burden to the existing constrained health infrastructure. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) focussing on early identification of risk factors and behaviour change should be implemented efficiently. One of the reasons behind this high in prevalence is nutrition transition which has resulted in a drastic change in dietary habits. The traditional diet comprising of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and pulses has been replaced with a diet rich in fats, refined carbohydrates and low in fruits and vegetables. Nutrition transition coupled with increase in sedentary behaviour due to automation, increased mechanisation has further increased the risk to these NCDs.

Early identification, treatment and management of these CVD risk factors as well as inculcating healthy behaviour including diet and physical activity will further reduce the burden of disease.Taking balanced nutrition keeps indicators of NCDs such as increased blood pressure, high BMI, and high blood glucose at levels necessary for the body and hence reducing risk of NCDs.

(The authors Dr Kanika Agarwal, Assistant Professor, Dept of Food and Nutrition, Lady Irwin College and Ms. Ishita Agarwal is a Research Assistant, Centre for Chronic Disease Control)