IS HABITAT PATTERNING THE RISK OF LIFESTYLE DISEASES AMONG AO NAGAS?

Abstract

Introduction: An increased risk of lifestyle diseases in populations with rapid nutritional transition and urbanization, its patterning in urban-rural continuum with clusters of risk factors has been documented in various populations but there has been limited data on tribal population in India.

Objective: To compare the distribution pattern of risk factors associated with lifestyle diseases among Ao Nagas residing in different habitats: city, town and villages in Nagaland, India.

Methodology: Design: Population based cross-sectional study Setting: Delhi and Mokokchung town and its adjoining villages in Nagaland. Population: 1250 Ao Nagas, aged 20-49 years Protocol: WHO Stepwise approach to Surveillance of Non-communicable diseases (STEP1 and STEP 2).

Findings: WHO STEP 1 risk factors,viz.,low physical activity and alcohol consumption; STEP 2 risk factor,viz.,overweight and obesity were significantly higher among city dwellers .Tobacco consumption (STEP 1 risk factor) was significantly higher among town dwellers. However, villagers were found to be significantly more hypertensive (STEP 2 risk factor) than their urban counterparts. Clustering of ≥ 3 risk factors for lifestyle diseases were more likely to be prevalent among the city dwellers as compared to town and village dwellers.

Implications: This study calls for careful implementation of different strategies to combat the burden of lifestyle diseases in the population both in rural and urban areas considering a comprehensive approach integrated at the primary healthcare sector. Market penetration of smokeless tobacco products in town and villages should be a concern for the policy makers. Binge drinking and alcohol abuse in the population despite Nagaland been declared as a ‘Dry state’ warrants rigorous and timely health intelligence as prohibitive measures.