Environmental profiling of determinants of cardiovascular disease using a Geographic Information System in rural villages of Karnataka, India

ABSTRACT Background: Environmental factors play a critical role in cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and are often not studied. This study aimed to assess the environmental risk factors for CVD using a Geographic Information System (GIS). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 25 villages in Karnataka, India, using a validated structured questionnaire, Environmental Profile Of Community Health (EPOCH). A photographic assessment tool, the EPOCH Photo Neighborhood Evaluation Tool (EP-NET), was used to assess urban planning, aesthetics, community appeal, community disorder, pedestrian safety, bike lanes, and their quality. Results: All the villages had at least four environmental risk factors, with a mean of 5.5 ± 0.9 risk factors (maximum: 7). None of the villages had sidewalks, traffic lights, crosswalks, or restaurants with healthy foods. Most villages (88%) had at least one tobacco outlet, and only three villages had a pharmacy in their village. The mean EP-NET score was 9.7 ± 2.6 (maximum: 59). Conclusion: None of the villages studied were CVD-friendly. Adequate planning, including the establishment of parks and pedestrian-friendly roads for physical activity, strict monitoring of the prevalent tobacco control legislations, and easy availability of healthy foods and medications, will help adopt healthy lifestyles and will eventually reduce the chance of CVD.