Prevalence of non‐communicable disease risk factors among nursing staff in a low and middle‐income country: A cross‐sectional digital survey‐based study

Abstract

AbstractAimTo assess the prevalence of non‐communicable disease risk factors among the nursing staff and educate them on prevention.BackgroundNursing staff is integral to the Indian community healthcare systems. Recent studies report a high prevalence of non‐communicable diseases in Indian nursing staff. Therefore, data on the prevalence of non‐communicable disease risk factors among nursing staff are crucial for education on prevention.DesignA cross‐sectional digital survey‐based study.MethodWe invited 4435 nursing staff to attend our online survey. We used a customized questionnaire for data collection, including a digitized version of the Community‐Based Assessment Checklist form. A score of >4 was considered high risk and warranted screening.ResultAmong 682 nursing staff who attended, 70% had never undergone screening for non‐communicable diseases. The prevalence of non‐communicable disease risk factors was significantly higher in male nursing staff. In addition, logistic regression analysis showed that age, tobacco and alcohol use, increased waist circumference, physical inactivity and family history of non‐communicable diseases were significant risk factors among nursing staff.ConclusionThe study findings suggest that the nursing staff have suboptimal self‐health concerns on non‐communicable diseases. This situation warrants continued medical education, awareness campaigns on adopting a healthy lifestyle and health promotion.