Prevalence and Risk Factors of Non-communicable Diseases in an Adult Tribal Population of Kanyakumari District, India: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background The broad category of illnesses known as non-communicable diseases (NCDs) includes conditions such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and chronic respiratory disorders. It causes million deaths worldwide each year, or of all fatalities. The concerning rise in NCDs is thought to be caused by the increasing prevalence of anthropometric and behavioural risk factors for these lifestyle diseases. Due to poor diet, greater exposure to harmful addictions such as tobacco, and lack of access to healthcare services, NCD rates are steadily rising among India’s marginalised people (tribal). In order to develop effective control strategies for these illnesses, it is crucial to monitor changing risk factors. Objectives The study aims to estimate the prevalence and risk factors of NCDs among adults in Pechiparai, a tribal area of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India, and to determine the association between socio-demographic factors and risk factors of NCDs among the study participants. Methodology A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2021 to September 2022 among 420 adults (>18 years) residing in Pechiparai village, using simple random sampling. Data were collected through a pre-tested, interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaire after obtaining informed consent. Information on socio-demographic variables, NCD prevalence, and lifestyle risk factors was recorded. Blood pressure measurements were taken and classified according to the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC 7) criteria. Microsoft Excel (Microsoft® Corp., Redmond, WA, USA) was used to enter the data, while IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (Released 2011; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for analysis. Chi-square tests and descriptive statistics were used, with a 95% confidence level. Results The mean age of participants was 44.92 ± 13.39 years, with females constituting 225 (53.6%). The total prevalence of hypertension was 216 (51.4%), including 102 (24.3%) newly detected cases. The prevalence of known diabetes mellitus was 70 (16.7%). Among the hypertensive participants, smoking was reported by 63 (51%) (majority beedi users), and 60 (57%) consumed alcohol. Extra salt intake was observed in 118 (75%). Among the hypertensive participants, hearing problems in 43 (61%) and visual impairment in 23 (55%) were other reported NCD-related conditions. A significant association was observed between hypertension and family history of NCDs (χ² = 21.52, p < 0.001). Extra salt intake showed a strong association with hypertension (χ² = 61.1, p < 0.001), with a notably higher prevalence among those reporting extra salt consumption (118, 75%) compared to those who did not (98, 37%). Conclusion The study revealed a high burden of hypertension and a significant prevalence of diabetes and behavioural risk factors among the tribal population of Pechiparai. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted screening, health education, and strengthened implementation of NCD control programs in tribal areas to reduce morbidity and prevent future complications.