Sociodemographic risk factors of cardiovascular disease in rural Lucknow

Background: The burden of cardiovascular diseases in India has increased. The data regarding socio-demographic patterning of cardiovascular disease risk factors is scarce. Objectives: The socio-demographic patterning of cardiovascular disease risk factors in rural Lucknow was assessed. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted among adults aged 18 years and above using a predesigned performa. Stratified random sampling and Probability Proportionate to Size technique was used. Three hundred and seventy three individuals gave consent and participated in the study. Prevalence rates of tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, low vegetable and fruit consumption, increased body mass index and raised blood pressure were determined. Data analysis was performed using SPSS windows version 14.0 software. Results: Only 14.7% of respondents admitted to alcohol consumption. The prevalence of smoking and smokeless tobacco use was 27.9% and 24.1% respectively. Sedentary physical activity was observed in 37.0% of respondents. Majority of respondents had low fruit intake (88.2%) and low vegetable intake (99.1%). Also 15.3% of respondents had an increased body mass index while 20.9% respondents had a raised blood pressure. Alcohol consumption, tobacco use, body mass index and waist circumference was higher among males. CVD risk factors studied were highly prevalent among those aged between 18-40 years of age. Hypertension increased with the increase in age. Alcohol and tobacco use and low fruit and vegetable intake were more common in the lower socioeconomic groups. Conclusions: High burden of cardiovascular disease risk factors was observed in the study population. Such information is useful for designing community based interventions to reduce risk factors in the population.