Abstract

Diabetes and hypertension are a public health burden globally including in India and are predisposing factors for stroke, heart diseases, and mortality. Also, Indian subjects are found to have higher levels of stress attributed to socioeconomic status. Aim: The present study aimed to assess the role of stress as a possible causative factor in a high incidence of diabetes and hypertension and a low incidence of Asthma. Methods: The study assessed 250 subjects visiting the health care institute in India. The subjects were assessed for the prevalence of asthma, diabetes, and hypertension along with awareness about the diseases and knowledge of the control of these conditions. The subjects were also assessed concerning their experience of stress and the type of stress they encountered. Results: The study results showed that diabetes was prevalent in 12% (n=30) of study subjects with the highest prevalence in the age range of 40-60 years and hypertension was reported in 46.8% (n=117) of study subjects with the highest incidence in the age range of subjects aged >40 years. The incidence of asthma was lower in all the age groups. Stressful life was seen in 60% (n=150) of study subjects. Conclusion: A high incidence of diabetes and hypertension is seen in Indian subjects. However, the incidence of Asthma is low with a considerable number of affected subjects being unaware of their diabetes and hypertension status. Exposure to stress in daily life among Indian subjects plays a vital role in the high incidence of these morbid conditions.

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