PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES (NCDS)- DIABETES, HYPERTENSION, AND OBESITY

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, and obesity, are leading contributors to global morbidity and mortality. Urbanization and lifestyle changes have further increased their prevalence, creating signicant public health challenges, particularly in diverse rural and urban settings. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and risk factors of NCDs in rural and urban health centers of Udaipur, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at rural and urban health centers in Udaipur, with 180 participants from each setting. A structured questionnaire was used to collect demographic, lifestyle, and clinical data. Standardized tools measured blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and body mass index (BMI). Statistical analysis included chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent t-tests for continuous variables to compare rural and urban populations.Results: The prevalence of hypertension was higher in urban areas (38.9%) compared to rural areas (29.4%). Similarly, obesity was more common among urban participants (42.8%) than their rural counterparts (23.9%). However, the prevalence of diabetes showed less variation, with rates of 18.3% in urban areas and 15.6% in rural areas. Urban participants demonstrated signicantly higher sedentary behavior and consumption of processed foods, while rural participants reported lower health literacy and healthcare access. Discussion: The study highlights signicant urban-rural disparities in the prevalence of NCDs, reecting differing lifestyles and socio-economic factors. Urban areas face challenges from sedentary behaviors and unhealthy diets, while rural areas are limited by inadequate healthcare access and awareness. These ndings emphasize the need for tailored public health interventions addressing the unique challenges of each setting. Conclusion: Addressing NCDs requires integrated efforts focusing on lifestyle modications, improved healthcare access, and enhanced health literacy in both urban and rural areas. These interventions can mitigate the growing burden of NCDs and promote equitable health outcomes.