Cardiovascular risk profiles clusters among children and adolescents with disabilities

Abstract

Background Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a precursor for disabilities and death worldwide. Being overweight or obese in combination with physical inactivity and smoking habits may increase the risk for CVD and other health problems such as lower limb osteoarthritis, diabetes, stroke, and various cancer types among children and adolescents. The literature emphasizes the need to follow such groups and evaluate the risk of individuals developing CVD diseases. Therefore, the current study explores the variety of cardiovascular risks in children and adolescents’ profiles clusters with and without disabilities. Methods Data from 42 countries including Israel, was collected with the support of the world health organization (WHO, Europe) through a questionnaire from 11–19 years old school-aged. Results The study finding shows that children and adolescents with disabilities demonstrated a higher prevalence of overweight than those who completed the HBSC youth behavior survey. Moreover, the prevalence of tobacco smoking and alcohol use was statisticaly significantly higher among the disabled group than the non-disabled group. In addition, socioeconomic status of responders who presented a very high CVD risk was found as significantly lower than those from the first and second low risk groups. Conclusion This led to the conclusion that children and adolescents with disability were at a higher risk of developing CVDs than their non-disabled peers. In addition, intervention programs tailored to the needs of adolescents with disability should consider lifestyle habit change and promoting healthy living thus improving their quality of life as well as reducing their risk of being exposed to severe CVD diseases.

Comparative Health Behaviour of Young People with Disabilities in Hungary: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…To increase effectiveness, intervention programs should be adapted to the needs of adolescents with disabilities [19]. With regard to school support, special attention should be paid to the different needs of adolescents with high and low self-esteem [35].…”

“…They are more likely to be affected by obesity and diabetes, have a higher incidence of developmental disorders, heart and respiratory diseases, mental health problems, and premature mortality [18]. Children and young people with disabilities are at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease than their typically developing peers [19]. Adults with IDs are less physically active than the general population [20].…”