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Introduction: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are multifactorial. Previous research has reported a high prevalence of CVD risk factors in tea-garden workers. This study was conducted to assess prevalence and level of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among tea-garden and general population in Dibrugarh, Assam. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Stepwise methodology was conducted in Dibrugarh District of Assam. A multistep random sampling was done to include adults aged 35 years and above, with an intended equal sampling from tea-garden and general population. INTERHEART modifiable non-laboratory based risk score was estimated. Salt consumption was estimated using questionnaire-based methods in both subgroups. Results: A total of 2826 individuals participated in the study (1231 [43.6%] tea-garden workers; 1595 [56.4%] general population). Tobacco consumption was higher in tea-garden workers as compared with general population (85.2% vs. 41.7% (p < 0.0001). Mean daily per-capita salt consumption was also significantly higher among tea-garden workers (29.60 vs. 22.89 g, p = 0.0001). Overall prevalence of hypertension was similar (44.4% vs. 45.2%), but among those who had hypertension, prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was higher in tea-garden workers (82.8% vs. 74.4%, p < 0.0001). Tea-garden workers had lower BMI, were more physically active, and had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Their INTERHEART modifiable risk score was also lower (1.44 [2.5] vs. 1.79 [2.8], p = 0.001). Conclusion: High prevalence of modifiable risk factors like tobacco consumption, high salt intake and high prevalence of hypertension indicates the need for early implementation of preventive actions in this population.

Background: Although breastfeeding is nearly universal in India, malnutrition still remains a major threat to survival, growth and development of Indian children. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess nutritional status of children by anthropometry in the Tea Garden Community in Dibrugarh district of Assam and to find its association with breastfeeding practices Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 390 children aged 12-24 months in six randomly selected tea gardens of Dibrugarh district from October 2011 to June 2012. Nutritional assessment was done by using weight-for-age, height-for-age and weight-for-height. Results: Prevalence of underweight, stunting and wasting was 61.5%, 65.6% and 33.8% respectively. Delayed initiation breastfeeding, prelacteal feeding, deprivation of colostrum, not exclusively breastfeeding for six months and improper complementary feeding were significant risk factors for underweight. Stunting was significantly more among children who were not exclusively breastfed and with improper complementary feeding. Prelacteal feeding and colostrum deprivation were significant risk factors for wasting. Conclusion: This study reflects a high prevalence of undernutrition among children of Tea Garden Community which is significantly associated with improper breastfeeding practices.

Abstract: Introduction: Risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) are multifactorial. Previous research has reported a high prevalence of CVD risk factors in tea-garden workers. This study was conducted to assess prevalence and level of modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among tea-garden and general population in Dibrugarh, Assam. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Stepwise methodology was conducted in Dibrugarh District of Assam. A multistep random sampling was done to include adults aged 35years and above, with an intended equal sampling from tea-garden and general population. INTERHEART modifiable non-laboratory based risk score was estimated. Salt consumption was estimated using questionnaire-based methods in both subgroups. Results: A total of 2826 individuals participated in the study (1231 [43.6%] tea-garden workers; 1595 [56.4%] general population). Tobacco consumption was higher in tea-garden workers as compared with general population (85.2% vs. 41.7% (p <0.0001). Mean daily per-capita salt consumption was also significantly higher among tea-garden workers (29.60 vs. 22.89g, p =0.0001). Overall prevalence of hypertension was similar (44.4% vs. 45.2%), but among those who had hypertension, prevalence of undiagnosed hypertension was higher in tea-garden workers (82.8% vs. 74.4%, p <0.0001). Tea-garden workers had lower BMI, were more physically active, and had a lower prevalence of diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome. Their INTERHEART modifiable risk score was also lower (1.44 [2.5] vs. 1.79 [2.8], p =0.001). Conclusion: High prevalence of modifiable risk factors like tobacco consumption, high salt intake and high prevalence of hypertension indicates the need for early implementation of preventive actions in this population. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]