Life style associated risk factors in teenage students, in Miraj town: a cross sectional descriptive study

Abstract

Background: The transition from childhood to adulthood may be referred to as ‘adolescence’ or ‘teenage’. Adolescence is not only a time of opportunity but also of vulnerability to risky behavior, which can have life-long consequences, especially on education, career and various aspects of health. Behavior patterns that influence health in adulthood have their origin in adolescence. Considering such factors, the present study had been undertaken with the objectives to study dietary habits and nutritional status of study population, to study knowledge, attitude & practices of study population regarding risk factors and to study the significant behavioral deviation including drug abuse.Methods: Cross sectional, descriptive study was being conducted in selected High schools and Junior Colleges in the Miraj town. The method of data collection was the pre-designed, pre-tested proforma. The data was analyzed by using SPSS.Results: Overall prevalence of under-nutrition was 49.83%. Prevalence of overweight and obesity was 3.68% and 1.49% respectively. Overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was more in participants with habit of eating outside home. Various forms of tobacco, alcohol and pan masala were used by 58.9% of the family members / friends / peer groups of the study participants.Conclusions: The students of age group 18-19 year were more likely to have risk taking behavior than students of age-group 13-17 year.