Project Swasthya Surkasha Chakra - Chapter 2
In partnership with and support from CenturyPlyboards India Ltd. (CenturyPly),‘Project Swasthya Suraksha Chakra’is paving the way for healthier future. Our collective efforts stitched together is the only way to challenge and overcome these global health threats.
Demographics
In 2023-2024 the 2nd chapter of Project Swasthya Suraksha Chakra was implemented. (1st chapter was implemented in 2022-2023). A total of 5056 citizens were screened as Project Swasthya Suraksha Chakra: Chapter 2.
The population screened were primarily factory workers, villagers and general population from low socioeconomic strata with majority (77%) having income less than Rs. 20000 per month and only 50% educated beyond Class 10. Males accounted for 78% of the screened population.
Key Statistics
- 96% were not in the habit of exercising.
- 20% of the screened population are smokers.
- 7% of the screened population have diabetes (Randomblood glucose> 200 mg/dL). This percentage is not very divergent from the estimated prevalence of diabetes in India which was reported to be 11.4% according to a 2023 study published in Lancet4.
Lancet study: More than 100 million people in India diabetic (bbc.com) - 53% of individuals with diabetes had Hypertension (Systolic BP> 140 mmHg; or Obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2); 11% of individuals with diabetes had both Hypertension and obesity.
- 14% of the screened population had pre-diabetes (Random blood glucose: 140-199 mg/dL). This percentage is very similar to the standard prevalence of pre-diabetes in India which was reported to be 15.3% according to the study published in 2023 in Lancet5.
Lancet study: More than 100 million people in India diabetic (bbc.com) - 31% of the screened population has or is at-risk ofHypertension (Systolic BP > 140 mmHg). This is in line with national average6.
6Frontiers | Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Young Adults (20–39 Years) in Kerala, South India (frontiersin.org) - 11% of the screened population hadObesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2); 29%of the screened population was overweight (25 kg/m2 < BMI < 30 kg/m2 ).
- Reported vs. Actual prevalence:
Implications
The aforementioned statistics present concerning implications with respect to the health status of the screened population:
- A significant majority of the screened population does not exercise. It is well known that even moderate physical exercise is both preventive and also a key element of disease management in confirmed cases. A consistently overwhelming majority (similar trend reported in Project Swasthya Suraksha Chakra: Chapter 2) of the screened population not engaging in any kind of physical activity implies significant gap in awareness about the benefits of exercise and serious implications due to lack of.
- Nearly 2 out of 10 people within the screened population are smokers. Globally, significant efforts are being made to reduce the incidence of smoking - from awareness / education campaigns to higher taxes on tobacco to heavy fines for smoking outside designated areas and more. Such efforts have led to reduction in incidence of smoking. Similar initiatives will be required in our society as well in order to mitigate the one of the most dominant risk factor for these chronic diseases.
- Nearly 2 out of 10 people are pre-diabetic. This condition can silently transition to diabetes if early interventions are not made. On the contrary, early intervention can prevent the costly transition to diabetes.
- A finding of great concern is the lack of knowledge gap between prevalence of disease in the population vis-à-vis awareness of its prevalence. This is owing to the asymptomatic nature of these chronic conditions which often lead to late diagnosis and thus poorer and costlier health outcomes. E.g.: Ony 13% of the screened population who have Hypertension were aware of the same. Remaining 87% of the screened population who have Hypertension were unaware of the same. Regular screening and education play a critical role in early detection or prevention.
Action
The aforementioned findingsunequivocally call for regular screening, early detection or prevention, education / awareness and follow-up. During and post completion of the screenings, following actions have been taken (and ongoing):
- At the time of screening each member was made aware and counselled for these diseases irrespective of their health status. This also included distribution of education materials, which they can refer to anytime and even share with their friends and family. This counselling was done by certified health coaches. All screened population are in process of receiving follow-up message via SMS/WhatsApp as reminder for adherence to the medical advice provided. (Annexure 4: Follow-Up Message)
- Those with pre-diabetes and / or overweight have been flagged as high-risk. This sub-population received not only received additional counselling but also isin process of receiving follow-up phone calls to ensure adherence to the medical advice provided.
- Those with already established disease or newly diagnosed at the time of screening, medical intervention at subsidised rate was offered / made available. This sub-population too is in process of receiving follow-up phone calls to ensure adherence to the medical advice provided.
Social Impact Report
Project Swasthya Suraksha Chakra: Chapter 2 aims to reduce the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the widely prevalent chronic diseases – diabetes, hypertension and obesity.
The salient features of Project Swasthya Suraksha Chakra: Chapter 2 include:
- Creation of awareness (including distribution of materials) by trained healthcare professionals about these diseases particularly amongst the lower socio-economic sections, who otherwise are unlikely to have access to such information.
- Screening leading to timely diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention.
- Sustained follow-up to ensure adherence to medical advice / medications.
The positive impact of Project Swasthya Suraksha Chakra: Chapter 2manifests are manifold. The benefits are not only for the individual but for the family and society as well:
Cost-Benefit Assessment of Project Swasthya Suraksha Chakra: Chapter 2 (Indicative)
2. Epidemiology of Uncontrolled Hypertension in the United States | Circulation (ahajournals.org)
3. Cost analysis of treating cardiovascular diseases in a super-specialty hospital - PMC (nih.gov)
4. Many miss prediabetes wake-up call - Harvard Health
5.Cost of Management of Diabetes Mellitus: A Pan India Study - PMC (nih.gov)
Therefore, there are clear and compelling health (physical & mental) and economic benefits of Project Swasthya Suraksha Chakra: Chapter 2 both at an individual and at a societal level.
Conclusion
Project Swasthya Suraksha Chakra: Chapter 2 screened 5056 people belonging to low-socioeconomic strata. This segment of the population has limited access to routine health check-ups whereas the chronic diseases of Diabetes, Hypertension and Obesity do not differentiate across socio-economic classes. Therefore, this population segment is highly vulnerable and requires greater attention from the government and civil society.
This population segment also comprises of a major portion of the workforce of our nation. Poor health leads to reduced productivity, absenteeism and increased healthcare costs for both the employer and employee. In India, nearly 3 out of 10 adults have diabetes or pre-diabetes. If undetected or uncontrolled, the disease can be life-threatening. Another silent killer is Hypertension. Nearly 4 out of 10 adults in India have this condition, which unfortunately goes undetected in many cases.
The Project has achieved its goals of screening and counselling the population in order to prevent or manage these burdensome diseases. However, given that vast population additional such sincere and rigorous efforts need to be made regularly.
Vision Mission Foundation sincerely thanks Century Plywood for the support in this noble initiative.
Willing to contribute OR donate to a noble cause?
There is an urgent need to prevent the emerging twin global epidemics of diabetes and obesity known as ‘DIABESITY’. Requests your partnership / sponsorship. All donations are exempted under section 80G (5)(vi) of the Income tax act.
