Vol. 10, Issue 9, Part C (2024)

The incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and their associated risk factors is increasing in all parts of India, as a consequence of the epidemiological transition over the last three decades. Newspapers cited a WHO report titled "Invisible Numbers: The True Scale of Non-Communicable Diseases," where in it is mentioned that NCDs accounted for 66 percent of total deaths in India [1]. Although more developed states in India have observed an increase in NCDs for some time, significant increases are now being observed in other states as well. India is experiencing a rapid health transition with a rising burden of NCDs causing significant morbidity and mortality both in rural and urban populations, with considerable loss in the potentially productive years of life, ages 30 to 60 years. Considering the importance of controlling NCDs, there are a lot of studies on the subject. It is also required to know whether any policy-level intervention is required in controlling the risk factors of NCDs. In this background, a systematic review of the published studies to understand the major risk factors affecting non-communicable diseases in India is conducted. Peer-reviewed journals, articles, papers, and cross-sectional studies published after 2011, completing a 10-year study including both qualitative and quantitative assessments of risk factors affecting non-communicable diseases in India were searched.

The 34 studies reviewed in this evaluation together covered most of the segments of society in terms of age and region. Aging starts from the adolescent age group to senior citizens aged 80 years living in rural and urban areas spread across 15 states in India, following different life styles. The approach towards health-related issues will also differ across places in line with the education that they get and the facilities that they have. It is observed that all the studies were conducted in a systematic way, following the STEPS procedure, and interpreted with statistical analysis. Not all studies considered all known risk factors. When some studies had given common risk factors like an unhealthy diet and the degree of alcohol consumption, others had considered the quantity of fruits taken to provide more clarity on the lifestyle they follow. No standard grouping of ages has been observed. Most of the studies have done gender- and region-wise evaluations. All these studies have evaluated the prevalence of the factors that may lead to NCD, and one study evaluated the awareness of people about risk factors and one study evaluated people with multiple risk factors. These evaluations are mandatory parts of all studies. However, these studies are very useful for understanding the current health status of the public. As standardization has brought in the selection of respondents and analysis, there should be some standardization on the contents of the study to consider key areas while doing analysis.

The government has taken many steps to improve health. However, observations from these studies would help to fine-tune the programs initiated by the government and to intervene effectively to improve the health status of people and keep them away from NCDs.