Assessment of Dietary Practices and Knowledge Regarding Dietary Intake in Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases Among People Aged 30 Years and Above in Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are influenced by modifiable dietary and lifestyle factors. Understanding dietary practices and nutritional knowledge among adults is important for prevention strategies in primary healthcare settings. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults aged ≥30 years attending the Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam clinic at Government Cuddalore Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram, Tamil Nadu, from May 2025 to May 2026. Data regarding sociodemographic characteristics, dietary habits, lifestyle behaviours, nutritional knowledge, anthropometry, blood pressure and self-reported NCDs were collected using a pre-tested structured questionnaire and standardized measurements. Results: Daily consumption of cereals was reported by 91.7% of participants whereas only 10.8% consumed fruits daily and 19.7% consumed green leafy vegetables daily. Excessive salt intake (>5 g/day) was reported by 77.5%. Only 19.0% achieved the recommended physical activity level. Overall 41.2% had poor dietary knowledge, while 44.3% had good and 14.5% had excellent knowledge. Overweight or obesity was present in 56.0% of participants and 31.5% reported at least one NCD with hypertension and diabetes being the most frequent conditions. Conclusion: The study demonstrates a gap between nutritional knowledge and healthy dietary and lifestyle practices among adults attending primary healthcare services. Community-oriented, culturally appropriate nutrition counselling combined with physical activity promotion and behaviour-change interventions should be integrated into routine NCD prevention services. Such strategies may strengthen risk reduction and improve outcomes.