The Prevalence of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases Among Transgenders In Delhi: A Community-Based Study

Nitin Panwar; Jugal  Kishore

Nitin Panwar Post Graduate Student, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India
Jugal Kishore Director Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Vardhman Mahavir Medical College and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, India

Keywords: LGBTQ, WHO STEPS, Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus.

Abstract

Context: The transgender community continues to face widespread stigma, discrimination, and health inequities, which extend to their risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Evidence on NCD risk factors among transgenders in Delhi is scarce, highlighting the need for community-based research to guide inclusive health interventions.

Aims: To estimate the prevalence of risk factors of NCDs among transgender individuals in Delhi.

Settings and Design: A community-based cross-sectional study conducted among transgenders residing in Delhi.

Methods and Material: A total of 141 transgender participants aged below18 years were recruited using snowball sampling. Data were collected using the WHO STEPS Instrument Questionnaire covering behavioral risk factors including tobacco use, alcohol consumption, diet, physical activity, and metabolic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia.

Results: Nearly half (49.6%) of the participants reported tobacco use, while 57.4% consumed alcohol. Inadequate diet (91.5%) and inadequate physical activity (97.9%) were highly prevalent. The burden of metabolic conditions was considerable, with 35% having hypertension, 17.6% diabetes, and 47.7% hypercholesterolemia. Educational status and religion were significantly associated with physical activity (p = 0.000), while alcohol use was significantly associated with socioeconomic status (p = 0.008). Physical activity also showed significant associations with hypertension (p = 0.000) and diabetes (p = 0.000).

Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of behavioral and metabolic risk factors for NCDs among transgender individuals in Delhi. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted, gender-affirmative, and community-sensitive public health interventions to address NCD risk in this marginalized group.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2454.325X.202608

How to cite this article:

Panwar N, Kishore J. The Prevalence of Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases Among Transgenders in Delhi: A Community-Based Study. Int J Preven Curat Comm Med. 2026;12(2):21-27.

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