Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in School Children- a Pilot Study

Objective: To assess the frequencies of risk factors for cardiovascular disease in school children. The informa-tion may help in designing interventions aimed at modifying unhealthy lifestyle in children, which may reduce the later incidence of cardiovascular disease in adults. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 206 students (ages 14-18 years), enrolled in higher sec-ondary school. Students were interviewed about their lifestyles, family history of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Moreover, they were assessed for height, weight and blood pressure. Results: Twenty nine percent of the children were physically inactive, 31 % were taking unhealthy diet daily, 21% were overweight (BMI>25) and 6 % were smokers. History of paternal smoking was reported by 36 % of the chil-dren, and among them 76 % of fathers smoked in the presence of their children. Family history of cardiac dis-ease, hypertension and diabetes were positive in 4%, 23 % and 16 % of the children respectively. Overall, 58% of the children had at least one modifiable risk factor. Conclusion: Majority of the children had modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Prevention efforts are required early in life, using strategies for behavioral modification and health promotion. (JPMA 53:396;2003