Non-communicable diseases in the Brahmaputra Valley: genetic and behavioural risk factors among adult Hindu Bengalis

Year 2025, Volume: 15 Issue: 2, 29 - 41, 31.12.2025

Immon Ghosh , Gulrukh Begum

Abstract

Non-Communicable Diseases present substantial public health challenges worldwide. This study investigates the heritability of hypertension and diabetes among 473 adult Hindu Bengalis (226 sibling dyads and 7 sibling triplets). Using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) sibling correlations estimates are found. Shared household environments and modifiable behavioural factors such as tobacco, alcohol, physical activity, and sedentary behaviour were also assessed. Significant sibling similarities were found for hypertension (SBP: ICC = 0.495, h² = 0.99; DBP: ICC = 0.360, h² = 0.72) and diabetes (ICC = 0.308, h² = 0.62). Socioeconomic status (SES) significantly influenced hypertension (p < .01). Interactions between tobacco, alcohol, and physical activity significantly affected hypertension (p < .05), while SES combined with tobacco and activity impacted diabetes (p < .05). The findings highlight strong genetic predispositions alongside socioeconomic and behavioural determinants. Targeted interventions addressing both genetic predisposition and modifiable social factors are essential to effectively manage non-communicable disease risks.

Keywords

Bengali , Hypertension , Diabetes , Heritability , Socio-economic status , Behavioural factors.

Ethical Statement

Informed consent was obtained from each of the participants included in the study. The ethical approval for this study was granted by Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC) of Gauhati University on 15/10/2024. The Protocol/Reference number of the decision is GUIEC-10/2024.

Supporting Institution

Gauhati University

Thanks

University Grants Comission

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