Burden and determinants of non-communicable neurological disorders among adults in a coastal region of South India: a community-based cross-sectional study
Abstract
Background: Non-communicable neurological disorders (NCNDs) are a major and growing contributor to global morbidity and disability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries undergoing rapid epidemiological transition. However, community-based evidence on their burden and determinants in India remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors of NCNDs among adults in a coastal region of South India.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,633 adults in Udupi taluk, Karnataka, between 20 January 2024 and 30 November 2024. A total of 1,118 households were approached and 2,633 eligible adult residents consented to participate. Participants were screened for neurological disorders using the validated NIMHANS protocol, followed by specialist confirmation. Data on socio-demographic, behavioural, and health-related factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Univariate logistic regression identified variables with a p value less than 0.20, which were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of NCNDs.
Results: The overall prevalence of NCNDs was 7.06%. Stroke (32.2%), migraine (28.0%), and neuropathic pain (17.7%) were the most common conditions. In multivariable analysis, unemployment (AOR 2.29; 95% CI 1.28–4.11), hypertension (AOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.02–2.30), tobacco use (AOR 1.98; 95% CI 1.01–3.88), sedentary lifestyle (AOR 5.74; 95% CI 1.91–17.2), moderate to severe stress, poor sleep quality, and suboptimal dietary practices were independently associated with increased odds of NCNDs. Unmarried individuals had lower odds of NCNDs (AOR 0.35; 95% CI 0.13–0.92).
Conclusions: NCNDs impose a substantial and under-recognised public health burden in South India, driven by modifiable behavioural and metabolic risk factors. Strengthening community-based screening and integrating neurological health into existing non-communicable disease programs could improve early detection and prevention strategies.
Related
- Implementation strategies, outcomes and determinants of integrated care for cardiometabolic conditions and mental, neurological and substance use disorders: protocol for a mixed-methods systematic review
- Prevalence and determinants of urban malaria among urban residents of Dilla Town, southern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
- Awareness, Misconceptions, and Cultural Beliefs About Functional Neurological Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study
- Placenta-Mediated Maternal-Fetal Nutrient Transport in Pregnancy Disorders: A Comprehensive Review A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study
- Prevalence and determinants of fasting-related dizziness and hypoglycemic symptoms among adults during Ramadan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A community-based cross-sectional study
BibTeX
@article{john2026burden,
title = {{Burden and determinants of non-communicable neurological disorders among adults in a coastal region of South India: a community-based cross-sectional study}},
author = {Jeleeta John K and Divya Arvind Prabhu and Sanjay Kini B and Arvind N Prabhu and Manjula Anil Kunder},
journal = {BMC Public Health},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.1186/s12889-026-29676-0},
url = {https://link.springer.com/10.1186/s12889-026-29676-0},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Burden and determinants of non-communicable neurological disorders among adults in a coastal region of South India: a community-based cross-sectional study
AU - Jeleeta John K
AU - Divya Arvind Prabhu
AU - Sanjay Kini B
AU - Arvind N Prabhu
AU - Manjula Anil Kunder
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/30
JO - BMC Public Health
DO - 10.1186/s12889-026-29676-0
UR - https://link.springer.com/10.1186/s12889-026-29676-0
AB - Background: Non-communicable neurological disorders (NCNDs) are a major and growing contributor to global morbidity and disability, particularly in low- and middle-income countries undergoing rapid epidemiological transition. However, community-based evidence on their burden and determinants in India remains limited. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors of NCNDs among adults in a coastal region of South India. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,633 adults in Udupi taluk, Karnataka, between 20 January 2024 and 30 November 2024. A total of 1,118 households were approached and 2,633 eligible adult residents consented to participate. Participants were screened for neurological disorders using the validated NIMHANS protocol, followed by specialist confirmation. Data on socio-demographic, behavioural, and health-related factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Univariate logistic regression identified variables with a p value less than 0.20, which were entered into a multivariable logistic regression model to identify independent predictors of NCNDs. Results: The overall prevalence of NCNDs was 7.06%. Stroke (32.2%), migraine (28.0%), and neuropathic pain (17.7%) were the most common conditions. In multivariable analysis, unemployment (AOR 2.29; 95% CI 1.28–4.11), hypertension (AOR 1.53; 95% CI 1.02–2.30), tobacco use (AOR 1.98; 95% CI 1.01–3.88), sedentary lifestyle (AOR 5.74; 95% CI 1.91–17.2), moderate to severe stress, poor sleep quality, and suboptimal dietary practices were independently associated with increased odds of NCNDs. Unmarried individuals had lower odds of NCNDs (AOR 0.35; 95% CI 0.13–0.92). Conclusions: NCNDs impose a substantial and under-recognised public health burden in South India, driven by modifiable behavioural and metabolic risk factors. Strengthening community-based screening and integrating neurological health into existing non-communicable disease programs could improve early detection and prevention strategies.
SN - 1471-2458
ER -