ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SOCIOECONOMIC STANDARD AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK AMONG SANTHAL TRIBAL POPULATION IN RURAL AND PERI-URBAN POPULATION OF BIRBHUM DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL

Abstract

Background: World, especially India had been witnessing a sharp increase of death and
disability due to cardiovascular disease (CVD. Lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes
and acculturation are the main reasons for the high prevalence of hypertension among the Indian
indigenous (tribal) population. Though studies have been conducted in urban and rural areas,
data related to tribal communities is limited. The present study aims to examine various CVD
related risk factors including hypertension, high waist –hip ratio and obesity in 2 blocks of
Birbhum district, West Bengal.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the adult tribal (18 years and above)
population of 892 from 2 blocks (Rajnagar & Md Bazar) of Birbhum district. Data related to
blood pressure, anthropometry, demographic and behavioural variables were collected with prior
consent from the participants from April to December, 2023.Statistical tests such as logistic
regression, odds ratio, percentage were used to analyze the data. Data was analyzed with STATA
software.
Results: The prevalence of hypertension among tribal population was 30.24 % for male
population and 34.09 % for female population in study area. Hypertension was comparatively
higher among illiterate population who were not aware regarding medicine used, physical
activity and dietary intake. Logistics regression revealed that socioeconomic variables had an
impact on hypertension.
Conclusions: A significant co-occurrence of higher body mass index (BMI), fewer physical
activities, increased fat consumption, and changing habits relating behaviour to hypertension
may be designated as potential risk factors.The prevention and treatment intervention programs
should be implemented taking into consideration age and gender.