Background

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have a high prevalence among nurses. Among healthcare professionals, disturbed circadian and long working hours lead to physical and mental exertion resulting in health issues such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, and other NCDs. It is important to assess awareness, preventive measures, and screening strategies related to NCDs among nurses.

Objectives

To assess the lifestyle risk factors and biophysical/biochemical parameters related to NCD prevention among nurses working in various units of selected government hospitals of Chandigarh, India.

Methods

Using a simple random sampling technique, a multicentered cross-sectional study was conducted among 137 nursing officers who consented and worked in various units of three government hospitals of Chandigarh, India. Ethical clearance obtained from IEC of enrolled institutes. Data collection methods included self-report, biophysiological assessment, and previous records. A knowledge questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge, Kompan dietary scale for diet, perceived stress scale for stress, Jenkins sleep questionnaire for sleep, and global physical activity questionnaire (GPAQ) were used for physical activity. Weighing/height scale for BMI and measuring tape for waist–hip ratio, Vernier caliper for triceps skinfold thickness, and sphygmomanometer for BP, and appropriate calibrated tools for biochemical parameters were used.

Results

Almost half of the participants had average and poor knowledge (41.60% and 43.79%) but few had good knowledge (14.59%). The majority of participants had a good attitude towards NCDs (71.53%). Most of the participants were having low pro-healthy diet index (75.9%) and the majority were having non-healthy diet index (94.1%); this indicates that participants had less intake of non-healthy food but the intake of pro-healthy food was also low. The majority had little sleep disturbances (91.97%) as per Jenkins sleep questionnaire and almost everyone had a moderate stress level (97.08%) as per the perceived stress scale. Maximum nurses were in the pre-obese category according to BMI. Almost half (40%) were on the moderate risk of NCDs as per waist–hip ratio. More than 80% having high triceps skinfold thickness. Maximum nurses were having normal blood pressure measurements. The majority were having borderline biochemical parameters but normal blood sugar levels.

Conclusion

The majority of participants had average knowledge and a good attitude regarding NCDs. The prevalent risk factors of NCD identified among nurses were less intake of healthy food, lack of sleep, moderate stress level, pre-obese, increased waist–hip ratio, and increased triceps skinfold thickness. Hence, nurses need to take adequate measures to control their risk factors aiming for long-term prevention of NCD.