The 'NCD Risk Factor Collaboration' uses pooled data from cohort studies to estimate global trends. India's STEPS survey under NPCDCS revealed which metabolic risk factor has the highest population-attributable risk for cardiovascular disease in urban India?

• A Diabetes (fasting glucose ≥ 126 mg/dL) — prevalence ~12–15% in urban adults
• B Current tobacco use — prevalence ~20% in urban adults
• C Hypertension (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg) — prevalence ~28–30% in urban adults ✓
• D Obesity (BMI ≥ 30) — prevalence ~18% in urban adults

Explanation

In Indian STEPS surveys and urban epidemiological data, hypertension consistently shows the highest prevalence (~28–32% in urban adults) and population-attributable risk for CVD, strokes, and CKD. While diabetes prevalence has risen sharply (10–15%), its lower prevalence means its absolute PAR is lower. Tobacco use is declining. The concept of PAR (population-attributable risk) depends on both the relative risk AND the prevalence of exposure — hypertension's combination of high prevalence and high RR gives it the largest population-level impact.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.