Non-communicable Disease Risk Factor Profile Among the Fishing Community in Ernakulam District of Kerala: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) significantly contribute to the global disease burden, with fishing communities being particularly vulnerable due to occupational and lifestyle factors. This study assesses the NCD risk factor profile among the fishing community in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 participants, including fishermen and fisherwomen aged 18 years and older. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire for NCD risk factor assessment, and a multistage cluster sampling method was used. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). The chi-square test was used to assess associations between behavioral and sociodemographic risk factors with NCDs. Multivariable logistic regression was employed to identify significant predictors of NCDs. Results The mean age of participants was 51.3 ± 4.99 years, with 72.3% (300) men and 27.7% (115) women. Key behavioral risk factors included current tobacco use (28.7%), past tobacco use (58.1%), current alcohol use (56.6%), inadequate fruit and vegetable intake (88.9%), and inadequate sleep (90.1%). Hypertension was present in 57.8% of participants, overweight/obesity in 62.2%, and abdominal obesity in 93%. Significant predictors of hypertension included advancing age, past smoking, and inadequate sleep. Overweight/obesity was significantly higher among men, and abdominal obesity was strongly associated with past smoking. Conclusion The fishing community exhibited a high prevalence of NCD risk factors, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions. Addressing behavioral risk factors, improving dietary habits, and promoting healthy physical activity and adequate sleep are crucial to reducing NCD risks. An integrated, community-based approach is recommended to enhance health outcomes in this marginalized population.