Abstract

Background and Aims:
Cardiovascular risk factors in tea gardens have been seldom studied. The risk factors for these marginalized population needs attention for public health interventions. The current research aimed to assess the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases among tea garden workers in the Alipurduar district of West Bengal, India.

Methods:
An observational, descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 463 tea garden workers working in a district of West Bengal, India to assess risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Proforma was filled along with clinical examination and evaluation of records. Diseases classified as per ICD- 10. Statistical analysis was done with Microsoft excel 10.

Results:
Most of the study participants were from marginalized society (81.2% tribals). 76% were female. More than 50% (55.9%) were illiterate. 67.2% were from lower income group. As per ICD-10 classification, 24.2% have some non-communicable disease. Risk factors like addiction was quite prevalent (67.2% for tobacco and 57.1 % for Alcohol).

Conclusions:
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease are quite prevalent among the marginalized population, which needs high priority for intervention.

Key words: Non-communicable disease, cardiovascular risk factors, tea garden workers, hypertension.