Natl Med J India
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Non-communicable diseases have modifiable risk factors, which are easy to measure and can help in planning effective interventions. We established a community-based sentinel surveillance to estimate the prevalence and level of common risk factors for major non-communicable diseases as part of a joint Indian Council of Medical Research/WHO initiative. ⋯ The high prevalence of risk factors for noncommunicable diseases across all age groups in this urban slum community indicates the likelihood of a high future burden of illness. Immediate action for prevention and control is required to prevent the situation from worsening.
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The past decade has seen a decline in the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) contributed by communicable diseases while lifestyle changes and rapid urbanization have led to an increase in DALYs contributed by non-communicable diseases. We studied the causes of death in a low socioeconomic area over 11 years to help identify changes in the pattern of disease. ⋯ Our study shows the coexistence of communicable and non-communicable diseases in a low socioeconomic area with a rising trend in non-communicable diseases. Surveillance for risk factors of non-communicable diseases should be done even in predominantly low socioeconomic areas. The coexistence of communicable and non-communicable diseases and the increase in non-communicable diseases among the economically deprived sections of our society suggest the need to re-prioritize components of healthcare among these sections.