A study on lifestyle modifications among patients with select non communicable diseases

Introduction: There are no published reports exploring the magnitude and pattern of lifestyle changes among the patients with non-communicable diseases from India. So this study was conducted with the objectives to Know 1. Lifestyle modifications among patients with select non-communicable disease (Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension & IHD) about components like Diet,Physical Activity, Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption. 2. The reasons for not being able to make changes in the above mentioned lifestyle components. Materials and method: A cross sectional study was conducted on patients with hypertension, diabetes mellitus & Ischeamic Heart Disease presenting to KMC hospitals (wenlock and attavar). The study subjects were interviewed using a semi structured interview schedule which covered: 1.Basic socio demographic data 2. Modification in various lifestyle components (diet, physical activity etc.) 3. Problems faced by them for changes in lifestyle. After obtaining permission, interviews were conducted on willing subjects. Analysis: Data was entered in SPSS version 11 and analyzed. Results are expressed in proportions in charts and tables. Results: Totally 120 patients participated. The following dietary changes were observed (%): Reduced Salt intake (62.2), Reduced Sugar intake (54.2), Reduced Rice intake (42.7), Increased Wheat intake (48.9). Physical Activities undertaken by the study subjects were as follows (%): Walking (63.4), Jogging (4.6), Yoga (13.7). Habits of the subjects were as follows (%): Tobacco Chewing (12.5), Smoking (10.9), Alcohol Consumption (16). Old age and locomotory problems have limited their capacity to bring lifestyle changes even after the diagnosis was made. Conclusion: Dietary changes were satisfactory while there is a scope for improvement in physical activities. Subjects were not successful in reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption.