Abstract
The study endeavored to examine the dietary habits of urban Indians and their impact on lifestyle diseases, recommending digital interventions to mitigate these issues. The research conducted in Kolkata involved 129 participants aged 30-69 using a 72-hour dietary recall survey from May to June 2022. The research findings revealed that most participants (65%) belonged to the 30 to 40 age group. Among the studied cohort, it was projected that 36% of individuals had non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The clinical manifestation of NCDs showed that 13% had elevated blood pressure, 14% had hypertension stage I, and 2% had hypertension stage II. Regarding body mass index, 52% were categorized as normal, 35% were overweight, and 11% were obese. The Global Status Report on NCDs and the United Nations Report emphasized the need for NCD surveillance, healthcare intensification, population-based prevention, and enhanced response capacities. Among the individuals with NCDs, approximately one-third were obese, and close to one-third were overweight. Among individuals interested in mobile health (mhealth) technology, 37.2% existed or desired to adopt the technology. Another 3.8% had vague awareness but were enthusiastic, and 27.9% had no intention. The non-parametric statistical test was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis H test. The results suggested a statistically significant association between an individual’s physical activity level, calorie consumption, average hours spent on social communications and NCDs. However, no significant link was found between sleeping patterns and NCDs. Technology offers the potential for better healthcare through competence, proficiency, accessibility, and personalization, reducing mortality and morbidity.
Keywords: Caloric Intake, Digital Health Technology, Lifestyle Diseases, mHealth, Non-Communicable Chronic Disease, Sedentary Behavior