Baseline risk factor prevalence among adolescents aged 15–17 years old: findings from National Non-communicable Disease Monitoring Survey (NNMS) of India

Abstract

ObjectiveTo generate national estimates of key non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors for adolescents (15–17 years) identified in the National NCD Monitoring Framework and, study the knowledge, attitudes and practices towards NCD risk behaviours among school-going adolescents.Design and settingA community-based, national, cross-sectional survey conducted during 2017–2018. The survey was coordinated by the Indian Council of Medical Research—National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research with 10 reputed implementing research institutes/organisations across India in urban and rural areas.ParticipantsA multistage sampling design was adopted covering ages between 15 and 69 years—adolescents (15–17 years) and adults (18–69 years). The sample included 12 000 households drawn from 600 primary sampling units. All available adolescents (15–17 years) from the selected households were included in the survey.Main outcome measuresKey NCD risk factors for adolescents (15–17 years)—current tobacco and alcohol use, dietary behaviours, insufficient physical activity, overweight and obesity.ResultsOverall, 1402 households and 1531 adolescents completed the survey. Prevalence of current daily use of tobacco was 3.1% (95% CI: 2.0% to 4.7%), 25.2% (95% CI: 22.2% to 28.5%) adolescents showed insufficient levels of physical activity, 6.2% (95% CI: 4.9% to 7.9%) were overweight and 1.8% (95% CI: 1.0% to 2.9%) were obese. Two-thirds reported being imparted health education on NCD risk factors in their schools/colleges.ConclusionThe survey provides baseline data on NCD-related key risk factors among 15–17 years in India. These national-level data fill information gaps for this age group and help assess India’s progress towards NCD targets set for 2025 comprehensively. Though the prevalence of select risk factors is much lower than in many developed countries, this study offers national evidence for revisiting and framing appropriate policies, strategies for prevention and control of NCDs in younger age groups.

The 2022 India Report Card on physical activity for children and adolescents

“…A study conducted among 15–17 year old youth (n = 1531) in 27 states found that 25.2% of adolescents did not meet moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) guidelines. 16 The survey-based data found that a higher proportion of urban residents were insufficiently physically active (38%), as well as girls (29.3%) in the sample. A total of 64.3% reported doing physical activity in schools and spent an average of 16.1 min per day.…”

“…Overall Physical Activity refers to the proportion of children and adolescents meeting PA guidelines. 13 , 14 Evidence from 27 states in India (N = 3808 across urban and rural jurisdictions) was appraised to grade Overall Physical Activity , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 as well as primary data from urban and rural children and adolescents aged 5–17 years (n = 1042).…”

“…School is a complex indicator which captures infrastructure, as well as school policies and programs. 13 Evidence from three peer-reviewed studies 16 , 26 , 27 and primary data collected in urban and rural jurisdictions provided a picture of student's access to physical activity infrastructure and access in different school boards.…”

Prevalence and Correlates of Insufficient Physical Activity Among Adults Aged 18–69 Years in India: Findings From the National Noncommunicable Disease Monitoring Survey

“…Detailed methodology of the survey has been published elsewhere. [20][21][22] The tools used for the study were adapted from the WHO-STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance (WHO-STEPS), 23 Integrated Disease Surveillance Project-NCD risk factor survey, 24 and WHO-Global Adult Tobacco Survey. 25 Questions on PA were derived from the WHO-Global Physical Activity Questionnaire.…”

“…21,22 Considering Composition of time spent in PA by domain among adults (18-69 y) in India. PA indicates physical activity.…”