A cross-sectional study on health behavior and quality of life among adults with non-communicable diseases in the urban field practice area of a teaching hospital, Kolkata

INTRODUCTION: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are considered the leading causes of death globally, accounting for 60% of all deaths. Measures such as stopping tobacco use, increasing physical activity, reducing alcohol consumption and improving diet can extend longevity and enhance the Quality of Life (QoL). This study aimed to assess the overall health behaviours and QoL of adults with NCDs residing in the urban field practice area of a teaching hospital in Kolkata and determine the association of their sociodemographic characteristics and health behaviours with their overall QoL.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the outpatient department of the Urban Primary Health Centre-81 among 106 adults recruited via consecutive sampling. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using a predesigned, pretested and structured schedule. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to interpret the data.

RESULTS: Among the participants, 45.3% were consuming tobacco, while only 6% were consuming alcohol following the diagnosis of NCDs. The majority (81%) undertook brisk walking, and 37% reported additional salt intake with meals. The overall perceived QoL was poor in 54.7% of the participants. The participants aged 41-60 years and the male participants had lower odds of having a poor QoL than their counterparts.

CONCLUSION: More than half of adults with NCDs report a poor QoL. Extensive interventions are needed to raise awareness in the community regarding the potential benefits of lifestyle modifications following the diagnosis of any NCD and thereby improve the QoL of patients.