Title : Burden and risk factors of non-communicable diseases among adults living in urban slums of Kathmandu Nepal
Abstract:
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a significant public health issue, responsible for 66% of all fatalities in Nepal. The burden is considerably greater among people living in urban slums, who are at greater risk because of their poor living conditions, restricted access to healthcare, and increased exposure to behavioral and biological risk factors. Nonetheless, there has been insufficient research completed on these groups in the Kathmandu District.
Objectives: To ascertain the prevalence and biological and behavioral risk factors of non-communicable diseases among individuals residing in Kathmandu District's slums.
Methods: A modified WHO STEPS questionnaire was used in a cross-sectional study with 345 persons from urban slums, ages 18 to 69. Clinical evaluations and in-person interviews were used to gather data. The relationships between risk factors and sociodemographic variables were evaluated using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models.
Result: Among Participants, 29% used smokeless tobacco, 36.2% were current smokers, and 61.2% consumed excessive episodic alcohol. 93.3% of people had inadequate fruit and vegetable intake, while 15.4% were physically inactive. 59.7% of the population was overweight or obese, 28.1% had elevated blood pressure, and 44.4% had elevated blood sugar. Smoking was significantly associated with male gender, poor income, and low education; alcohol consumption was associated with age, gender, and employment; middle-aged and married people were more likely to be overweight or obese.
Conclusion: Slum dwellers in Kathmandu have a high incidence of modifiable behavioral and metabolic risk factors for NCDs. These hazards are greatly influenced by sociodemographic factors. For public health initiatives to effectively address the clustering of NCD risk factors, slum communities must be given priority.
