Prevalence of Lifestyle Related Risk Factors for Non-communicable Diseases among Adolescents of an Urban Community in Mumbai

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCD) have emerged as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. There are certain lifestyle related risk factors responsible for major NCDs. Lifestyle risk factors can be easily modified if detected early in life. Hence, this study was undertaken to find out the prevalence of such lifestyle related risk factors among adolescents. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out among adolescents. Data was collected by interview method using semi-structured questionnaire. Information was asked regarding tobacco and alcohol use, dietary practices, physical activity and family history of NCDs. Physical measurements were recorded using standardised methods. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. Results: 227 adolescents participated in the study. 55 (24.2%) reported ever use of tobacco, of whom only 9 (3.9%) were females. No significant association was found between tobacco use and monthly per capita income. 23 (10.13%) of ever tobacco users were school dropouts. History of school dropout was significantly associated with tobacco use (p<0.001). Parental use of tobacco was significantly associated with tobacco use among the adolescents (p<0.001). None of the respondents reported alcohol use. Daily fruit consumption was reported by 1 (0.4%) respondent. Daily vegetable consumption was reported by 216 (95.2%) respondents. 36 (15.6%) reported doing vigorous activity for 60 minutes daily. 19 (8.4%) reported family history of NCDs. 15 (6.6%) were found to be overweight and 4 (1.8%) were found to be obese. Conclusion: The study highlights high prevalence of lifestyle risk factors among adolescents which needs to be corrected.