Multiple behavioural risk factors of non-communicable diseases among adolescents in four Caribbean countries: prevalence and correlates

Abstract

Objectives The study assessed the prevalence and associated factors of behavioural risk factors of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) among adolescents in four Caribbean countries. Content In all 9,143 adolescents (15 years = median age) participated in the cross-sectional “2016 Dominican Republic, 2016 Suriname, 2017 Jamaica, and 2017 Trinidad and Tobago Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS)”. Eight behavioural risk factors of NCDs were assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Summary Prevalence of each behavioural NCD risk factor was physical inactivity (84.2%), inadequate fruit and vegetable intake (82.2%), leisure-time sedentary behaviour (49.6%), daily ≥2 soft drinks intake (46.8%), ever drunk (28.6%), twice or more days a week fast food consumption (27.6%), having overweight/obesity (27.4%), and current tobacco use (13.8%). Students had on average 3.6 (SD=1.4), and 79.0% had 3–8 behavioural NCD risk factors. In multivariable linear regression, psychological distress and older age increased the odds, and attending school and parental support decreased the odds of multiple behavioural NCD risk factors. Outlook A high prevalence and co-occurrence of behavioural risk factors of NCDs was discovered and several factors independently contributing to multiple behavioural NCD risk factors were identified.

A Systematic Review Protocol for the Effectiveness of Psycho-Educational Intervention Programmes in Addressing the Psychological Risk Factors Associated with Non-Communicable Diseases among Adolescents

“…They are known to result in long-term health consequences and often create a need for prolonged treatment and care [14]. The risk factors for NCDs are often stated as either behavioural [15] or psychosocial [16]. Recent research highlighted a strong relationship between psychological distress and various NCD risk factors among adolescents [17].…”

Magnitude of risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases in adolescents and young adults in Brazil: A population-based study

“…Moreover, the prevalence estimates of inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, physical inactivity, and overweight were 93.6%, 89.4%, and 22.5%, respectively [ 6 ]. Research conducted with adolescents in four Caribbean countries (Dominican Republic, Suriname, Jamaica and Trinidad, and Tobago) also identified a high prevalence of behavioral risk factors for NCDs in participants aged 16 years and older, including tobacco use (14.2%), alcoholic beverage consumption (47.8%), inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption (84.0%), low physical activity (86.2%), and overweight (23.0%) [ 7 ].…”