Profile of Risk Factors for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) among Tribal Population in and Around Puducherry - Results of a Community-Based Cross-Sectional Survey, 2018-19.

Background: Indian tribes receive limited attention in provision of care toward non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As there has been an increasing prevalence of modifiable NCD risk factors among Indian tribes over the past three decades, the current study aimed to estimate the prevalence of NCD risk factors among the tribal population in Puducherry. Methods: We conducted a community-based cross-sectional survey to assess NCD risk factors in the period January-December of 2018. We purposively selected the survey location and adopted a systematic random sampling technique using alternative households to enroll tribal participants; children less than 5 years were excluded from the study. Data collection was carried out by trained research associates regarding sociodemographic parameters, health status, and disease profile. Results: The median age of participants was 28 (17-42) years, with the majority being females (58.8%). The prevalence of current tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and hypertension were 22.6% (95% CI: 19.2-26.3), 18.7% (95% CI: 15.5-22.2), and 9.1% (95% CI: 6.9-11.8), respectively. The prevalence of overweight and obesity was found to be 14.7% and 32.1%, respectively. The prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use was significantly higher among the elderly and males. The risk of having hypertension was twofold higher among the male tribes by PR: 2.10 (95% CI: 1.19-3.68) compared with female. Conclusion: The study concludes that there is a higher prevalence of behavioral and biological risk factors of NCDs among the tribal population in and around Puducherry.