A survey conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) revealed that in 12 Indian tribal districts, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 66% of all fatalities, compared to 63% in non-tribal regions. The findings were published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR).

Based on the survey carried out between 2015 and 2018 and interviews of the deceased people′s families, ICMR reported that after NCDs, infectious diseases (15%) and injuries (11%) were the leading cause of death. Researchers also found that 70% of tribal members died at home, reflecting a lack of knowledge about health issues and a severe lack of healthcare facilities in the nations tribal districts.

70% said their relatives passed away at home, 9% died while receiving care at a district hospital, 5% died in a private hospital, 3% died in a PHC/CHC/Rural hospital, and 2% passed away in a medical college or cancer hospital. 10% of the tribal members could not recall the death spot, and only 3% claimed that their relative had died while traveling to the medical facility.

The survey found that over one-fourth of the deceased were not receiving treatment for a pre-existing condition. The remainder was receiving care at a local physician or a tribal healer (13%), a district hospital (25%), a private hospital (20%), a PHC/CHC/rural hospital (19%), a medical college/cancer hospital (9%). Additionally, 29% of the deceased had high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. 17% of people had chronic respiratory problems, 12% had a stroke, 11% had heart disease, 10% had cancer, and 9% had diabetes.

Experts stated that NCDs less afflict tribal people is a misconception. Increased urbanization has caused a change in lifestyle and food habits in the tribal districts, causing a rise in lifestyle-related health problems.

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/lifestyle-diseases-among-top-killers-in-tribal-districts-icmr/95725597)