Syndemic of Obesity, Hypertension and Hyperglycemia among 15-49 Year Olds in Rajasthan: District-Level Data from National Family Health Survey-4

Abstract

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the new epidemic in India. District specific prevalence of various NCD risk factors is unknown. We used National Family Health Survey-4 (NFHS-4) data to map the syndemics of overweight/obesity, hypertension and hyperglycemia among 15-49 year old women and men in each district of the state. Methodology: Data on location-adjusted prevalence of various NCD risk factors among 15-49 year old women and men were obtained from NFHS-4 fact-sheets. Heat maps were created to determine geographic distribution of obesity (body mass index, BMI >25 kg/m2), hypertension (known and/or BP >140/>90 mmHg) and hyperglycemia (random glucose >140 mg/dl) in all the districts (n=33). We determined correlation of obesity with prevalence of hypertension and hyperglycemia. Descriptive statistics are presented. Results: Significant geographic variation was observed in prevalence of obesity, hypertension and hyperglycemia in men and women. High prevalence of obesity and hypertension (>15%) was observed in central and northwestern districts. Obesity >15% was observed in 9 districts in women and 6 districts in men. Prevalence of hypertension >15% and hyperglycemia >8% was low. There was a significant correlation of obesity with hypertension in women (r= 0.45) and men (r= 0.43) and hyperglycemia in women (r=0.20) (p<0.05). Weak correlation was observed in prevalence of hypertension and hyperglycemia. Conclusion: There is significant geographic variation in prevalence of syndemics of obesity, hypertension and hyperglycemia among the young in Rajasthan. Significant correlation of obesity with hypertension and hyperglycemia is observed.

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