A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence and Associated Factors of Pre-Diabetes and Pre-Hypertension Among Persons Aged 18 to 40 Years in the Rural Field Practice Area of Government Medical College, Tamil Nadu, 2025

Authors

  •   Padmapriya Baburaj Institute of Community Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai - 600003, Tamil Nadu
  •   R. Senthilkumar
  •   Arvinth A. Ram Institute of Community Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai - 600003, Tamil Nadu
  •   Priya Pasupathy Institute of Community Medicine, Madras Medical College, Chennai - 600003, Tamil Nadu

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65129/health.v1i2.64

Keywords:

Non-Communicable Disease, Pre-Diabetes, Pre-Hypertension, Risk Factors

Abstract

Background: Pre-diabetes and pre-hypertension are early, reversible stages in the natural course of diabetes and hypertension, yet they are often overlooked. Addressing these early stages among young adults is essential to halt the progression to full-blown diabetes, hypertension, and their associated complications, such as cardiovascular and renal diseases. Identifying the prevalence and associated risk factors in this age group can guide timely public health interventions and strengthen preventive efforts at the primary care level. Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of pre-hypertension and pre-diabetes among individuals aged 18-40 years in a rural area in Tamil Nadu. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 147 adults aged 18-40 years from Medavakkam village, Chengalpattu district, between May and August 2025. Participants were selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire adapted from the WHO STEPS tool. Anthropometric measurements, fasting capillary blood glucose, and blood pressure were assessed using standard protocols. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info v7.2.6.0. Results: The prevalence of pre-hypertension was 38.8% (95% CI: 30.9% - 47.2%), and pre- diabetes was 21.8% (95% CI: 15.4% - 29.3%). Pre-hypertension was significantly associated with male gender, married status, inadequate physical activity, and obesity (BMI). Pre-diabetes was significantly associated with abdominal obesity as measured by waist circumference. Conclusion: A high burden of pre-diabetes and pre-hypertension was observed among young adults in a rural setting, with lifestyle and obesity-related factors contributing significantly. Strengthening early screening and targeted health promotion under the existing population-based screening framework is essential to prevent progression to full-blown NCDs.

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Published

2025-06-25

How to Cite

Baburaj, P., R. Senthilkumar, A. Ram, A., & Pasupathy, P. (2025). A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study on the Prevalence and Associated Factors of Pre-Diabetes and Pre-Hypertension Among Persons Aged 18 to 40 Years in the Rural Field Practice Area of Government Medical College, Tamil Nadu, 2025. Journal of Health and Technology, 1(2), 87–100. https://doi.org/10.65129/health.v1i2.64

Issue

Volume 1, Issue 2, June 2025

Section

Research Article

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Health and Technology

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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