A Study to Document Lifestyle Associated Risk Factors for Non Communicable Diseases Among Adolescents

Abstract

The burden of morbidity and mortality from Non-Communicable disease has risen worldwide and is accelerating in low-income and middle-income countries. Lifestyle-associated risk factors among adolescent are rampantly increasing throughout the world. They place a tremendous demand on health care systems and social welfare, cause decreased productivity in the workplace, prolong disability and diminish resources within families. A life course approach to preventive efforts addressing NCDs and their risk factors and behaviors will improve child and adolescent health but also decrease lifetime health care costs. Nevertheless, those risk behaviors are initiated usually in the adolescent’s age groups which are continued to adult. Therefore, this group is important target for primordial prevention. This study is a cross-sectional study which aims to determine the prevalence of risk factors among adolescents attending the tertiary care centre in Surat, district of Gujarat, conducted in March 2019 to June 2019. A total of 498 adolescents were screened using a structured questionnaire. The study documented that improper diet is the major risk factor while habits like smoking and alcohol consumption is fairly uncommon. Study recommends creating awareness among adolescents and promoting healthier lifestyle habits.