Environmental risk factors for cardiovascular diseases using geographic information systems in an urban slum, Bengaluru
Background:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), a growing epidemic, is influenced by various environmental factors, and the potential connection is not studied adequately.
Objective:
Hence, our study was aimed at assessing the environmental risk factors for CVD and assessing perceptions about the same among the adults residing in an urban slum, Bengaluru.
Methods:
A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a validated environmental assessment tool–Environmental Profile of Community Health. It consists of two parts:(i) an assessment of the physical environment for CVD-risk behaviors and (ii) a questionnaire to collect residents' perceptions of their community's environmental risks for CVD.
Results:
The community had two environmental risk factors for CVD-tobacco stores and fast-food restaurants. The community had ten convenience stores, all of which sold tobacco products. Vegetables and fruits …