Abstract
<title>Abstract</title> <p>Introduction: NCD and mental illness are comorbid diseases. The precipitating risk factors for NCDs, such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diet, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol leading to premature mortality in mentally ill people. The burden of NCDs in mentally ill population is increasing especially in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) like Nepal. This study aimed to assess the behavioral risk factors for NCDs among mentally illness patients attending at Koshi hospital, Morang. Methods A Cross-sectional study was conducted among 322 mentally ill patients attending at Koshi hospital, Morang. Non-probability Purposive sampling technique was used to obtain desired sample size. Data entry and analysis were done in SPSS version 16.0. Descriptive statistics like frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation were used. All estimates were presented with 95% confidence Interval (CI). Findings were presented in tabular form. Results There were high prevalence of high blood pressure, blood sugar and cardiovascular disease. Result showed 19.9% had history of raised blood pressure, 10.2% had history of raised blood sugar and 13% had history of raised cholesterol. About one forth (22%) of the respondents were overweight (BMI 25-29.9), 7.1% were obese (BMI ≥ 30) whereas 3.7% were underweight (BMI < 18.5). The median of Total physical activity in minutes of moderate intensity activity (min per day) was 118.92 (34.28–240). Majority (74.2%) of respondents do not meet Physical activity recommendations of WHO and only less than half (41.2%) meet Physical activity recommendations of WHO. Conclusion This study concludes that prevalence of increasing tobacco and alcohol, insufficient physical activity, increased blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, overweight, obesity and cardiovascular diseases are the major risk factors for NCDs among mentally ill patients. Increasing prevalence are the result of several behavioral risk factors in this population. Thus, there is need to recognize those unmet need and prioritize for timely screening, prevention and treatment of NCDs.</p>