A study on prevalence of risk factors of non-communicable diseases and to assess awareness regarding non-communicable diseases and its risk factors among adolescents

Background: The major and potentially preventable risk factors of NCDs are associated with lifestyle and behaviour pattern which are largely due to practices adopted in younger age. Knowledge of adolescents about non-communicable diseases and their risk factors are an important part of population-based prevention strategy. Objectives: To assess prevalence of NCDs risk factors among adolescents and to study awareness regarding NCDs and their risk factors. Material & Methods: It was a cross sectional study. 400 students of adolescent age from private school were interviewed over a period of four months. Data was entered and analysed statistically using Excel 2010 and Epi info software. Results: Majority of participants were from age 15-17 years. 7.25% were overweight and only 1% were Obese. Physical inactivity prevalent in 76.75%, Family history in 41.25%, Inadequate sleep in 43.50% and tobacco habit in 21%, Frequent junk food consumption in 75.75%, Lack of yoga meditation in 79.75%. Awareness was excellent for Diabetes and Hypertension. Regarding risk factors, 87% were aware about tobacco consumption, 94% about alcohol consumption, 69.50% about passive smoking, 91.50% about fast food consumption, 82% about excess salt intake, 79.50% about physical inactivity and 73.25% aware about obesity. Conclusions: Awareness was excellent regarding NCDs and their risk factors, but the prevalence of risk factors was high among adolescent. Fair numbers adolescents were following high risk practices. These results have highlighted the fact that there is an urgent need to take effective steps, to prevent this problem