Air-pollution is major cause behind rising non-communicable diseases

Is the most prevalent risk factor among surveyed the population (76%), followed by low physical activity (67%), poor diet (55%). These three factors even beat stress, tobacco consumption, obesity

Air-pollution is the primary reason behind a steep rise in non-communicable disease burden in India, showed a recent Assocham survey. Air-pollution came out as the most prevalent risk factor among the surveyed population (76 per cent) followed by low physical activity (67 per cent) and imbalanced diet (55 per cent). These three factors even beat stress, tobacco consumption and obesity as NCD risk enhancers.

Prepared by Thought Arbitrage Research Institute (TARI), the survey reported that NCDs increase after 18 years and show a quantum leap when an individual crosses the age of 35 years. It found that more than two-thirds of individuals suffering from NCDs are in the most productive-life age groups i.e., 26-59 years. “This is an alarming trend and points to the grim reality that the burden of NCDs on India is long-lasting given that 65% of the country’s population is below 35 years of age,” Assocham said.

The survey suggested that the prevalence of having any NCDs among the population is 116 per 1,000 population in India. The state of Odisha was found to have the highest prevalence of NCDs (272 per 1,000 population) while Gujarat registered the lowest prevalence (60 per 1,000). The prevalence of NCD among males is 119 per 1,000 male population while for females it is 113 per 1,000 female population.

“It has been estimated that 80 per cent causes heart diseases, strokes, and type-2 diabetes and almost 40 per cent of the cases can be prevented,” said Seshi Kiran K, Consultant Physician, Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad. NCDs are the leading cause of death globally, accounting for about 70 per cent of fatalities. India has seen a spike in NCDs, which have become a major cause of mortality, he added.