Integrated BBA-MBA

Programme
Term VII (Batch: 2021-26)

Research Proposal
Individual Assignment

Topic
Analysing the Correlation between Lifestyle and Diseases.

Submitted to
Prof. Sunita Guru

On
(02/12/2023)

Submitted By:
Roll No. Name
217171 Viraj Ganatra

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 Acknowledgement
It gives me great pleasure to offer the findings of a research proposal on Analysing the
Correlation between Lifestyle and Diseases.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Prof. Sunita Guru, our faculty member for
Research Methodology, who always provided us with helpful recommendations and direction
while we completed this research. She served as a source of inspiration when this project was
being finished. She assisted me in comprehending and retaining crucial project information
that I otherwise may have forgotten. The only reason this initiative was successful was under
his leadership. I am grateful to my family and friends for their support and assistance with
this effort.

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 Table Of Contents

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 4
2. Literature Review ......................................................................................................................... 5
3. Research Problem ....................................................................................................................... 11
4. Research Objectives .................................................................................................................... 11
5. Hypothesis.................................................................................................................................... 11
6. Research Design .......................................................................................................................... 11
6.1 Research Methods................................................................................................................... 11
6.2 Data Collection Method .......................................................................................................... 12
6.3 Sampling Plan / Design ............................................................................................................ 12
6.4 Data Analysis Tools .................................................................................................................. 12
References ............................................................................................................................................ 14
Undertaking ......................................................................................................................................... 15

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1. Introduction
Our lifestyle decisions have a big impact on how likely we are to have different diseases.
Unhealthy behaviours including smoking, drinking too much alcohol, not exercising, and
eating poorly all have a significant role in the worldwide burden of non-communicable
diseases (NCDs).

Type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and some forms of cancer can all be considerably
decreased by eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in processed
foods, sugar-filled beverages, and saturated fats. Maintaining general health and lowering the
risk of NCDs need frequent physical activity, which should include at least 150 minutes of
moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise each
week. Smoking raises the risk of lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke, making it one of the
world's leading avoidable causes of death. The most significant measure to lower the risk of
chronic illnesses is quitting smoking. Overindulgence in alcohol is linked to a higher risk of
heart disease, liver cirrhosis, and other malignancies. For best health, alcohol use should be
moderated or avoided completely. A nutritious diet, frequent exercise, abstaining from
tobacco, and consuming less alcohol are just a few examples of lifestyle changes that are
essential for controlling and preventing NCDs. Encouraging healthy lifestyle choices via
education and public health programmes is crucial to lowering the worldwide burden of
avoidable illnesses.

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2. Literature Review
According to JAMA Intern Med. 2020, The study examined 139,380 people's individual-level
data; 9.7% were excluded because of missing data, and 7.0% had a history of chronic illness.
116,043 participants having data on a variety of characteristics and no prior history of any
particular illnesses made up the final sample. At 43.7 years old, 61.1% of the population was
female. Younger people and those from better socioeconomic backgrounds were more likely
to have healthier lifestyle scores. Over the course of the 12.5-year follow-up, 1.45 million
person-years were at risk. A total of 17,383 individuals developed at least one chronic
condition, with incidence rates for incident diseases being 17.8% in males (14.7 per 1000
person-years) and 13.2% in women (10.4 per 1000 person-years).

The Institute of Medicine advised diagnosing and treating diabetes and hypertension,
providing access to reasonably priced medications, and developing clinical care algorithms in
low- and middle-income nations in order to address chronic diseases. In order to address the
often-overlooked burden of chronic diseases in Sub-Saharan Africa, the report called for the
development of institutional frameworks and research capacity.

According to BMC Public Health 20, 1624 (2020), The Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile II
(HPLP-II), obesity, and chronic kidney disease were found to be related in the Hong Kong
study. With the exception of those who were overweight, those with chronic illnesses had
lower HPLP-II scores. While stress reduction and interpersonal relationships were associated
with an increased risk of obesity, physical activity and nutrition provided protection against
it. In terms of nutrition and health responsibility, sex differences were observed. The study's
limitations include estimated disease statuses and a small sample size, but it does suggest that
lifestyle modifications may have an impact on chronic diseases.

According to Journal of Sport and Health Science Volume 2, Issue 1, March 2013, it
emphasises the growth in chronic illnesses worldwide and the need of exercise and physical
activity (PA) in both treating and preventing these illnesses. PA is viewed as a daily
medication by the Exercise is MedicineTM campaign since it has more health advantages
than traditional pharmaceuticals. Heart rate, blood pressure, and general well-being are all
positively impacted by the physiological alterations that PA causes, especially in
cardiovascular function. Recognising the value of PA in lowering chronic disease rates and
enhancing general health, several nations, including the United States, have created national
PA recommendations.

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One more research paper published by Shibin Wang, PhD; Bo Li, PhD; Yanhua Wu, PhD was
analysed. The average length of sleep, according to the survey, was 7.31 hours, with 30.9% of
people sleeping short and 6.9% sleeping long. Socioeconomic level, age, and marital status
were found to have an impact on sleep. Sleep length was linked to unhealthy lifestyle
choices, and insufficient sleep was linked to mental health issues and chronic illnesses,
particularly multimorbidity. The cross-sectional design and self-reported sleep duration are
two of the study's drawbacks, despite its positives, which include a representative sample.

According to BMC Public Health 15, 754 (2015) a comparison of lifestyle determinants and
health outcomes is conducted in Malaysia (20.1% poor SRH). Poor SRH has been linked to
underweight, inactivity, smoking in the past, and present alcohol use. There are irregularities
in the BMI-SRH relationships. Lack of exercise is regularly associated with low SRH. There
is no discernible correlation between SRH and fruit or vegetable intake. The likelihood of
having poor SRH is higher among ex-smokers. Poor SRH is more likely to occur in current
drinkers. Low SRH is highly correlated with chronic conditions such as heart disease,
hypertension, arthritis, asthma, and hypercholesterolemia. In addition, residence, sex, age,
and ethnicity affect SRH. Its cross-sectional design and possible recollection bias are
weaknesses, but representativeness is one of the study's benefits.

A Research Paper Issued by Authors Peter Elwood and Julieta Galante in 2013 came to
conclusion that Middle-aged men who adopt healthy behaviours have large reductions in
diabetes, vascular disease, and all-cause mortality; comparable results have been observed in
other cohorts. The study highlights the public health message that even slight changes in
behaviour might result in a significant reduction in the burden of dementia, vascular disease,
and death. The low prevalence of all five healthy behaviours, despite increased knowledge,
highlights the need for efficient health promotion initiatives to combat the world's escalating
healthcare expenses.

According to BMC Psychiatry 20, 455 (2020), The Guangdong, China study looked at sleep
duration (18–85 years old) and how it related to chronic illnesses, mental health, and
sociodemographic. 6.75 hours of sleep on average was less than in research of a comparable
nature. Sleep deprivation is associated with anaemia, hyperlipidaemia, low back discomfort,
alcohol and tobacco usage, poor income, and obesity. Prolonged sleep is linked to cancerous
tumours. Large, representative sample is a strength; cross-sectional design is a drawback.

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Future studies on the relationship between chronic illness and sleep should investigate the
role of mental health mediation and objective sleep metrics.

According to Healthcare 2017, 5(1), Using neural networks for analysis, the research
demonstrates how lifestyle choices like smoking, drinking alcohol, and exercising affect
chronic illnesses. It highlights drinking and smoking as important markers and emphasises
the role physical exercise has in lowering cardiovascular disease. There are socio-economic
elements that come into play, such as working hours and money. The study highlights
lifestyle modifications and offers policy implications for preventive healthcare at the
individual and national levels. Future investigations into the causes of chronic disease, gender
disparities, and integrative methods of managing the condition should take lifestyle medicine
and technological developments in healthcare technology into account.

According to Journal of Periodontology 2000;71, This study investigated the relationship

between lifestyle, diabetes, and periodontal health, with particular attention to alveolar bone
loss and probing depth. Advanced periodontitis and high HbA1c levels were consistently
linked, suggesting a higher risk in the presence of inadequate glycemic management.
Alveolar bone loss has been related to diabetic complications. Stress-related lifestyle
variables, such as drinking and irritable behaviour, have been linked to bone loss and deep
pockets. Remarkably, smoking, a known risk factor for periodontitis, was not significant; it
may have been masked by HbA1c levels. The results show that diabetes, lifestyle, and
periodontal health are intricately related.

According to Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3300, Longer illness duration is
associated with worse results. The study examined the quality of life (QoL) of patients with
cardiovascular disease (CVD) and found dissatisfaction, particularly in physical and
psychological components. The significance of patient-centred treatment was highlighted by
a correlation between clinical improvement and patient satisfaction. While there was no
expectation of privacy during tests, QoL ratings were positively connected with expectancies
in communication. Family nurses were vital in influencing patients' expectations and quality
of life, which highlighted the need for better healthcare practises in CVD patients' primary
care. In basic healthcare, patient assessments are essential to improving the quality of service.

According to BMC Public Health volume 16, Article number: 850 (2016), The study
highlights the worldwide obesity crisis and associated health concerns by linking bad eating
habits (westernised and HPF) to higher BMI in teenagers. Teenagers in Mexico still have a

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worryingly high rate of overweight and obesity, even if it is somewhat lower than the national
average. Diet and exercise habits, in particular, are important lifestyle variables that influence
these tendencies. The study highlights the persistence of behaviours throughout adulthood by
identifying similar food patterns in teenagers. Unhealthy eating habits are linked to several
cardiovascular risk factors in addition to weight. The impact of cultural and familial customs
on the eating habits of teenagers is emphasised.

According to BMC Gastroenterology volume 21, Article number: 127 (2021), Low education,
drinking a lot of tea, particular dietary preferences, lifestyle variables (constipation,
overeating, sleeping too soon after supper), and mental health conditions (anxiety,
depression) were all linked to the beginning of reflux esophagitis (RE), according to the
study. RE was associated with low levels of education, strong tea, and certain dietary
preferences. The beginning of RE was linked to specific drugs and lifestyle variables.
Depression was also connected with the impact on everyday life and the intensity of the
symptoms, and anxiety was tied with the commencement of RE. Recall bias and the study's
single-centre design are two of its drawbacks.

According to Korean J Fam Med. 2020 Nov; 41(6), Long-term inactivity during the
pandemic increases the risk of metabolic illnesses, cardiovascular problems, and increased
mortality. Reducing the amount of time spent inactively is essential; research suggests that
brief periods of inactivity should be mixed with physical exercise. The worst results are
associated with watching television during periods of sedentary behaviour, most likely as a
result of increased eating and passive behaviour. To counteract negative impacts, it is advised
to reduce television watching, snack less, and participate in at least 150–300 minutes of
moderate physical exercise per week.

According to Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology Volume 10, Issue 9, 2017, The text
emphasises how physical activity (PA) helps avoid non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD). Raising PA may lower the risk of NAFLD, according to a recent meta-analysis
that focused on cohort studies. Following national standards of at least 150 minutes/week of
moderate PA may help avoid NAFLD, even if there is no set recommendation for PA. As seen
by a dose-response relationship showing greater risk reduction at higher PA levels, the study
highlights the advantages of any kind and quantity of PA versus inactivity. Gender-neutrality
and age-related advantages are both observed in the relationship. There are more conservative
relationships found in validated PA surveys. The reduction of free fatty acids in the blood, the

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amelioration of insulin resistance in the muscles and liver, and better control over hunger are
some of the mechanisms.

According to Int J Community Based Nurs Midwifery. 2018 Jan, in type II diabetes patients,
the study looks at health literacy and health-promoting behaviours. It finds that these
behaviours are generally excellent and that health literacy is adequate. The greatest score
goes to nutrition, and the lowest to physical activity. Health-promoting behaviours and health
literacy are significantly correlated in a number of areas. The study emphasises the critical
role that health literacy plays in promoting health, lowering medical expenses, and increasing
life quality for diabetes people. The questionnaire on health promotion behaviours has several
limitations, such as possible participant bias and a lack of construct validity validation.

According to studies of Guilherme Oliveira de Arruda, 2014, in other Brazilian cities, the
study's self-rated health trends and sociodemographic traits are in line, notwithstanding
certain limitations. The sample, which is primarily female, has greater proportions than
studies that are similar. There is a significant age-related correlation between cardiovascular
disease (CVD) and the prevalence of fair/poor self-rated health. One important predictor of
cardiovascular events is one's own assessment of one's own health. The study highlights the
need for healthcare policies that take socioeconomic and demographic factors into account
and are specifically customised to each person's health perceptions, especially for individuals
with chronic CVD.

According to research by Xiachuan Qin & Chaoxue Zhang. (2022), The lifestyle variables
influencing the development of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) are examined in this Chinese study.
Smoking has a negligible impact on renal function but is not completely eliminated when it
comes to IgAN achieving end-stage renal failure (ESRF). Alcohol abstinence may improve
renal outcomes as drinking duration, not quantity, is linked to an elevated risk of ESRF.
Improvements in outcomes are predicted by regular exercise, particularly in males. Separate
risk factors for ESRF include male gender, low eGFR, and elevated urine protein. The
lengthy duration, possibility of bias, limited sample size, and observational design of the
study highlight its limitations and the necessity of bigger prospective cohort studies.

According to Journal of Public Health volume 31, pages267–275 (2023), The purpose of this
study was to evaluate the effects of a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical activity and
nutritional habits, on the intensity and duration of symptoms in 206 persons with confirmed
or probable COVID-19 diagnosis. The study concentrated on intermediate instances by

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excluding mild and serious situations. Results showed a strong correlation between higher
illness severity and less physical exercise. Less severe symptoms were noticed by patients
who followed healthier eating habits. Remarkably, there was no negative impact of elevated
BMI on the intensity or persistence of symptoms. Symptoms tended to last longer in women
than in males.

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3. Research Problem
Analysing the Correlation between Lifestyle and Diseases.

4. Research Objectives
• Examine the connection between levels of physical exercise and the occurrence of
different diseases.
• Analyse how certain food habits affect the onset and course of particular medical
diseases.
• Examine the relationship between the risk of chronic diseases and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Examine the relationship between smoking behaviour and the prevalence and severity of
specific illnesses.
• Examine the relationship between alcohol use and the frequency of illnesses linked to a
particular lifestyle.

5. Hypothesis
H1: Over a follow-up period of 12.5 years, individuals who exhibit higher levels of physical
activity, healthier dietary patterns, and overall superior lifestyle scores are at a lower risk of
developing chronic diseases.

H2: Future research should consider the major influences of sleep length, mental health
disorders, and socioeconomic factors on the association between lifestyle choices and the
prevalence of chronic illnesses.

H3: With regard to COVID-19, those who engage in less physical activity and follow
unhealthful eating habits are more likely to suffer from severe symptoms and have their
sickness last longer, underscoring the influence of lifestyle choices on the severity of the
condition.

6. Research Design
6.1 Research Methods
Longitudinal Cohort Design: This design makes it possible to observe changes over a long
period of time and can identify trends and patterns. Using a longitudinal cohort design, the
JAMA Intern Med. 2020 study followed 116,043 patients for a period of 12.5 years. A
thorough understanding of the relationship between lifestyle and disease incidence was made

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possible by the collection of data on individual characteristics, lifestyle scores, and the
emergence of chronic disorders.

Cross-Sectional Design: This kind of design offers insights into the relationships between
variables by providing a moment in time picture of a population. A cross-sectional approach
was employed in the study by Shibin Wang, PhD; Bo Li, PhD; and Yanhua Wu, PhD to
examine the connections between sleep habits, socioeconomic characteristics, mental health,
and chronic illnesses.

Meta-Analysis: A meta-analysis with an emphasis on cohort studies was published in

Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology Volume 10, Issue 9, 2017, to examine the
connection between physical activity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In a
meta-analysis, data from several studies are combined to provide general findings for a
specific research subject.

6.2 Data Collection Method

Primary Data: Collection Method for all these Objectives will be a Questionnaire and for the
purposes of this Research Paper, a Structured Questionnaire will be used. Surveys,
interviews, and medical exams will be used to collect data in order to learn more about health
behaviours, chronic conditions, lifestyle decisions, and sociodemographic characteristics.

Secondary Data: Sources like Journals, Research Papers, etc. will be used for the purpose of
the Research.

6.3 Sampling Plan / Design

As discussed in the literature review, the target population consists of people from a range of
age groups, socioeconomic origins, and health issues. We will use a stratified random
sampling technique. The definition of strata will consider factors such as health,
socioeconomic status, gender, and age. This guarantees representation from a range of
demographic groups.

6.4 Data Analysis Tools

Statistical Software: Correlation, regression, and survival studies are just a few of the
statistical analyses that can be carried out using statistical software packages like R, SAS, and
SPSS. The lifestyle factors that are most closely linked to the onset of chronic diseases can be
found using these studies.
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Machine Learning Algorithms: These algorithms can be applied to the development of risk
prediction models for chronic diseases. Numerous data sources, such as genetic, clinical, and
lifestyle data, may serve as the foundation for these models. Examples of same are Scikit-
Learn, TensorFlow and PyTorch.

Data Visualisation Tools: With the aid of data visualisation tools, one can produce graphs and
charts that aid in the communication of study results. These tools can be used to visualise the
effects of lifestyle changes on the risk of chronic diseases, as well as the links between
lifestyle factors and chronic diseases.

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 References

Association between lifestyle, gender and risk for developing end-stage renal failure in IgA
nephropathy: a case-control study within 10 years. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2023, from
Taylor & Francis Online website: Click Here

Association between obesity, common chronic diseases and health promoting lifestyle
profiles in Hong Kong adults: a cross-sectional study | BMC Public Health. (n.d.). Retrieved
December 1, 2023, from SpringerLink website: Click Here

Association between physical activity and risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a meta-
analysis. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2023, from Sage Journals website: Click Here

Association of Healthy Lifestyle With Years Lived Without Major Chronic Diseases |
Lifestyle Behaviors | JAMA Internal Medicine | JAMA Network. (2020, May 1). Retrieved
December 1, 2023, from JAMA Network | Home of JAMA and the Specialty Journals of the
American Medical Association website: Click Here

Chronic disease and the link to physical activity - ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Retrieved December
1, 2023, from ScienceDirect.com | Science, health and medical journals, full text articles and
books. website: Click Here

Dietary patterns associated with body mass index (BMI) and lifestyle in Mexican adolescents
| BMC Public Health | Full Text. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2023, from BioMed Central
website: Click Here

Disease and Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa - Google Books. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1,
2023, from Google Books website: Click Here

Healthcare | Free Full-Text | Preventive Healthcare: A Neural Network Analysis of

Behavioral Habits and Chronic Diseases. (n.d.-b). Retrieved December 1, 2023, from MDPI
website: Click Here

IJERPH | Free Full-Text | The Analysis of the Relationship between the Quality-of-Life
Level and Expectations of Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases under the Home Care of
Primary Care Nurses. (n.d.). Retrieved December 1, 2023, from MDPI website: Click Here

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 Undertaking

I, Viraj Ganatra, hereby undertake that the research proposal titled " Analysing the Correlation
between Lifestyle and Diseases." submitted by me is an original work and has been prepared by
me with due diligence and integrity.

The content of the research proposal is the result of my own independent research and analysis,
and it does not infringe upon the intellectual property rights of any third party.

I have appropriately cited and referenced all sources of information used in the research
proposal, and I have provided proper credit to the works and ideas of others in accordance with
the standards of academic honesty.

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