Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Jul 26, 2025
Date Accepted: Oct 17, 2025
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and NCD Risk Factors in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India, and Their Association with Ayurvedic Psychosomatic Constitution (Prakriti) And Socioeconomic Status: Study Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) consists of several interrelated conditions, including central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia, all of which substantially raise the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Based on NFHS-5 survey findings, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands may have a high MetS prevalence due to high occurrence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes rates. According to Ayurveda, the psychosomatic constitution (Prakriti) influences disease vulnerability, prognosis, and treatment response. Till now no research has explored the relationship between MetS, non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors, and Prakriti
Objective:
This study aims to determine the prevalence of MetS and NCD risk factors in the South Andaman district and examine their association with Prakriti and socioeconomic factors.
Methods:
A cross-sectional study with analytical and descriptive components will be conducted with 1,000 adult participants from the South Andaman district, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India. Participants will be chosen through simple random sampling. Participants aged 18 years and above who are willing to provide written consent will be included. Exclusion criteria include pregnant women, non-ambulant individuals, and those who are unable to undergo Prakriti assessment. Data collection will involve direct interviews, laboratory investigations, and anthropometric measurements. MetS will be assessed using the International Diabetes Federation criteria, and NCD risk factors will be recorded via the WHO STEPS instrument. Prakriti will be assessed using the CCRAS ‘Prakriti Assessment Scale’, while socioeconomic status will be determined using the Modified Kuppuswamy Scale. During statistical analysis, descriptive analysis will be done to calculate prevalence rates and demographic characteristics. Bivariate analysis using chi-square tests and odds ratios will assess associations between Prakriti, NCD risk factors, socioeconomic variables, and MetS. Multivariable logistic regression will calculate adjusted odds ratios. All analyses will be performed using STATA 16.1 software with a 5% significance level.
Results:
The study started on August 2024 and as of June, 2025, the survey has covered 619 participants.
Conclusions:
This is the first study to evaluate the prevalence of MetS in South Andaman and the first to investigate the association between Prakriti, MetS, NCD risk factors, and socioeconomic status. The results could guide NCD prevention and management strategies for policymakers and inform future research efforts. Clinical Trial: Not Applicable
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