Prevalence of Substance Abuse, Hypertension and Obesity among Security Men working in a Teaching Hospital in Delhi: A Cross Sectional Survey

Introduction: Security men are subjected to a considerable degree of stress related problems due to their changing duty hours and difficult working environment. Chronic stress in them may lead to increased propensity to develop addiction for tobacco, alcohol and other psychoactive agents. In addition to this, certain other behavioral factors also make them prone to develop non- communicable diseases in future. Thus, it is important to find these lifestyle factors and associated morbidities at the earliest to take early interventions for their prevention and timely management. Objectives: The study aims to assess the prevalence of hypertension, obesity, and tobacco and alcohol use among security men. Methods: A total of 50 private security men working in a tertiary care teaching hospital in New Delhi were selected using convenient sampling method. Data was collected using a pre tested semi structured questionnaire consisted of items on socio- demographic profile, behavioral factors like substance abuse after taking informed consent. Anthropometric measurements like weight, height and blood pressure were also recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS 17. Chi square/ Fisher’s exact test was used to find significance of association between qualitative variables. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Mean age of security men was 52 years. The prevalence of smoking, chewing tobacco and alcohol consumption was 48%, 30% and 54% respectively. Alcohol consumption (p = 0.041) and smoking (p = 0.044) was significantly associated with migration. BMI was calculated which showed that 42% (n=21) were overweight and 6% (n=3) were obese. 16% (n=8) were found to be hypertensive. Conclusion: Looking at the high prevalence of lifestyle disorders like tobacco and alcohol abuse, obesity and hypertension, it is recommended that innovative Behavior Change Communication (BCC) strategies should be undertaken for prevention, early diagnosis and management of non communicable diseases and its risk factors.