Risk Factors For Non-communicable Diseases Research Articles

The synergistic effect of obesity and dyslipidemia on hypertension: results from the STEPS survey

BackgroundObesity and dyslipidemia are important risk factors for hypertension (HTN). When these two conditions coexist, they may interact in a synergistic manner and increase the risk of developing HTN and its associated complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the synergistic effect of general and central obesity with dyslipidemia on the risk of HTN.MethodData from 40,387 individuals aged 25 to 64 years were obtained from a repeated cross-sectional study examining risk factors for non-communicable diseases (STEPS) in 2007, 2011 and 2016. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as a measure of general obesity and waist circumference (WC) as a measure of central obesity. Dyslipidemia was defined as the presence of at least one of the lipid abnormalities. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mmHg or current use of antihypertensive medication. To analyze the synergistic effect between obesity and dyslipidemia and HTN, the relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI), attributable proportion due to interaction (AP), and synergy index (SI) were calculated. A weighted logistic regression model was performed to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) for the risk of HTN.ResultsThe results showed an association between obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The interaction between obesity and dyslipidemia significantly influences the risk of hypertension. In hypertensive patients, the presence of general obesity increased from 14.55% without dyslipidemia to 64.36% with dyslipidemia, while central obesity increased from 13.27 to 58.88%. This interaction is quantified by RERI and AP values of 0.15 and 0.06 for general obesity and 0.24 and 0.09 for central obesity, respectively. The corresponding SI of 1.11 and 1.16 indicate a synergistic effect. The OR also show that the risk of hypertension is increased in the presence of obesity and dyslipidemia.ConclusionObesity and dyslipidemia are risk factors for HTN. In addition, dyslipidemia with central obesity increases the risk of HTN and has a synergistic interaction effect on HTN. Therefore, the coexistence of obesity and lipid abnormalities has many clinical implications and should be appropriately monitored and evaluated in the management of HTN.

Effects of Digital Health Literacy Program on Sufficient Health Behavior Among Thai Working-Age People With Risk Factors for Noncommunicable Diseases.

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) account for more than 75% of deaths in Thailand, which is higher than the global average of 71%. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the Digital Health Literacy (DHL) and Sufficient Health Behavior (SHB) Program on Thai working-age adults age 20 to 65 years with risk factors for NCDs (i.e., overweight and lacking physical activity), and compare the health literacy (HL) and SHB of participants living in urban and semi-urban areas at posttest. Using the lottery method, this one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design randomly selected 200 participants and assigned them to two equally sized groups. The data were gathered through surveys with an item discrimination power between .20 and .86 and a reliability of 0.94 and were statistically analyzed using t-test and F-test. The DHL and SHB Program comprises six sessions over a 12-week period, and activities designed to enhance knowledge of NCDs, HL, health communication, and health behavior modification. It was conducted by health care workers from urban and semi-urban public hospitals via Zoom using various digital toolkits such as YouTube, animations, infographics, role-play videos, clips, and e-books. At the posttest, the participants had higher HL (t = 2.67, p = .001) and SHB (t = 3.36, p = .001). There was a difference in SHB scores (F = 4.640, p = .032) between those living in urban and those in semi-urban areas, but no difference in HL scores (F = 1.436, p = .232). The DHL and SHB Program improved HL and SHB in Thai working-age adults with risk factors for NCDs in both urban and semi-urban communities. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2024;8(2):e93-e101.].

IJCM_188A: Exploring Factors Influencing Medication Non-Adherence Among Urban Residents with Non-Communicable Diseases in Chengalpattu District: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Medication non-adherence is a modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). WHO estimated the average rate of medication adherence to be around 50% in developed countries and to be lower in the developing countries. Objectives: To find the factors influencing medication non-adherence among patients diagnosed with NCDs in the urban areas. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 200 patients visiting Urban Health Training Centre, MAPIMS. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors, self-care practices, access to health care and family support to medication adherence. The outcome of the study was medication adherence measured using the eight-item Morisky medication adherence scale (MMAS-8). Results: Among the 200 participants with one or more non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the result found the prevalence of poor medication adherence rate to be 53.5%. Poor medication adherence was more prevalent in the older age group (39%, n=78), female patients (57.5%, n=115), with primary education (49.5%, n=99), unemployed individuals (58.5%, n=117), those without regular physical activities (63.5%, n=127) and classified as obese (43%, n=86). Conclusion: The study concluded that the prevalence of poor medication adherence was more common among NCD patients and the need to develop effective strategies to enhance medication adherence according to patient’s requirements through a holistic approach, by strengthening the primary health care system to achieve better health outcomes.

IJCM_375A: Levels of physical activity and its barriers among students in a medical college in Dakshina Kannada district

Background: Physical activity is associated with many health benefits like maintaining weight and decreased risk factors for Non-communicable Diseases. Physical inactivity is seen as prevalent among students who have a higher workload especially students in the medical field. Lack of physical activity in students could be one of the reasons for low performance in academics as well as other day-to-day activities Objective: Among the students of a medical college in Dakshina Kannada district in April 2023: to assess levels of physical activity and to determine the barriers to physical activity. Methodology: A cross sectional study recruiting 256 medical students chosen equally from each admission year (4 years) by Stratified Random Sampling with gender. Study duration was 6 months. Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) was used to obtain data. Data collected were entered in Microsoft Excel and reported as frequency and proportions. METs (Metabolic Equivalents) were calculated that are used to express the intensity of physical activities. Results: Most participants were in the age group of 18-24. Less than 4 out of 5 students exhibited lower recommended WHO physical activity. Conclusion: Despite a majority falling within the 18-24 age range and diverse parental education backgrounds, a significant proportion fails to meet WHO recommendations. Identified barriers emphasize need for targeted interventions. The study highlights how critical it is to address these problems in order to encourage medical students to lead more active lives.

The relationship between individual internal factors and the prevention of obesity in students of junior secondary education level (Grades 7-9)

Purpose: Obesity is a risk factor for non-communicable diseases in children contributing to their physical, mental and social effects. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between individual internal factors and the prevention of obesity in students at the junior secondary education level.
 Design/Methodology/Approach: A multi-stage random selection method was used to select 273 junior secondary education level (grades 7-9) students from the province of Chachoengsao to participate as the study's sample. A questionnaire was used for data collection and was divided into 7 parts: (1) general information about the sample, (2) knowledge about the prevention of obesity, (3) attitudes towards the prevention of obesity, (4) motivation in obesity prevention, (5) habits in obesity prevention, (6) student allowance management and (7) obesity prevention behavior. The data were analyzed using frequency, percentage and correlation analysis.
 Findings: Factors correlated with obesity prevention behavior were obesity prevention habits (r=0.382) and student allowance (r=0.294).
 Conclusion: Parents and schools should give importance to building obesity prevention habits and encourage children to manage their allowance efficiently to be able to help prevent obesity in students at the junior secondary education level. The results from the research can be used to create a model for modifying dietary habits accordingly. The emphasis is placed on involving children in the selection of nutritious foods. Cooking substantial meals or snacks will help to develop healthy eating habits gradually. Add exercise in the form of sports games. In addition, teaching children to record their daily income and expenses for food and snacks will help them use their daily money to their full potential and build habits and values.

IJCM_190A: A cross sectional study to find out risk factors for non-communicable diseases among residents of Raipur City, Chhattisgarh.

Background: In India, due to high rates of urbanization and economic improvement, there is a shift in disease spectrum from communicable to non-communicable diseases. In a study made by khan etal 2015 at Bilapsur, Chhattisgarh prevalence of stroke was 67.6% due to infarct and 32.4 % had hemorrhage (ICH). The percentages of young stroke (< 45 yrs) were 12.5% (n=35). About 7.1% (n=20) and 5.3% (n=15) in males and females respectively. Thus, early detection will reduce the burden and cost of diseases in the family, community and on the nation. Objectives: A cross sectional study to find out risk factors for non- communicable diseases among residents of Raipur City, Chhattisgarh. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Raipur City of Chhattisgarh state during the month October 23-January 2024. A pre-designed, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Systematic Random sampling technique was adopted to select the 350 Study participants. Results: The majority of subjects were between the ages of 30 and 40. Females constituted 55.3% of the subjects, while males accounted for 44.7%. Additionally, 45.6% of participants had completed primary schooling. Preobesity was observed in 58.8% of males and 51.7% of females.84.7% of study subjects were not engaging in physical activity, 89.1% were consuming an unhealthy diet, 97.6% were using tobacco, and 94.5% were consuming alcohol, all of which contributed to a raised BMI. There is a significant association between tobacco and alcohol use with BMI, where p-values are 0.001 and 0.005, respectively, which is <0.005 and df is 01 for both. Conclusion: As per this study, Pre-obese were found in 58.8% of males and 51.7% of females Awareness regarding healthy behavioral pattern and healthy diet should be inculcated in population through various awareness activity like mass media camping and increase taxes on unhealthy food items.

IJCM_136A: Prevalence Of Risk Factors For NCDs And Its Associated Factors in Rural Field Practice Area of RDJMMCH, Turki, Muzaffarpur, Bihar.

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are diseases that are not transmissible directly from one person to another. NCDs mainly consists of cardio vascular diseases, diabetes, stroke etc. It accounts for 68% of global deaths. The prevalence rates in India is1.6% to 7.4% and 1% to 13.2% in rural and urban population respectively. Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for NCDs in rural field practice areas of RDJMMCH, Turki, Muzaffarpur. Methodology: A cross-sectional study done among people above 30 years of age residing in study area from March to April, 2023. Data was collected using CBRA (community-based risk assessment) checklist for NCDs. Sample size of 157 was calculated assuming the prevalence of risk factor for NCDs being 30% with 95% confidence interval and absolute precision of 7.5%. Systematic random and simple random sampling was applied. Results: Mean age of participants was 47.9 years. Majority of them were females (56%) belonging to Hindu religion (98%). 41% were illiterate and major occupation practiced was farming (74%). Prevalence of risk factor for NCDs was 17.2%. On performing Chi-Square test smoking, alcohol, physical inactivity and family history of NCD’s were found to be significantly associated. Conclusion: As prevalence of risk factor for NCDs is 17.2%. Thus, it is the need of hour to have timely update about the disease and motivate them for healthy lifestyle.

Social inequality in prevalence of NCD risk factors: a cross-sectional analysis from the population-based Tromsø Study 2015–2016

ObjectiveWe aimed to examine associations between educational level, serving as an indicator of socioeconomic position, and prevalence of WHO-established leading behavioural and biological risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), in...

Surfactant Proteins SP-A and SP-D and Conventional Risk Factors for Chronic Noncommunicable Human Diseases

Surfactant Proteins SP-A and SP-D and Conventional Risk Factors for Chronic Noncommunicable Human Diseases

Pandemic Pressure: Changes in Hypertensive Management Adherence in Indonesia

PurposeThis study aimed to determine factors associated with changes in adherence to hypertension management (medication adherence and blood pressure control) in respondents with hypertension before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bogor City, Indonesia. MethodsAn observational study was conducted using two sources of data (before and during COVID-19 pandemic). Data before the pandemic were derived from the 2019 Cohort Study of Non-communicable Disease Risk Factors. Data during the pandemic were derived from an online survey conducted in September and October 2020. Information from 880 participants were analyzed. The dependent variable was the change in adherence to hypertension management before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multivariate analysis was performed using logistic polynomial regression. ResultsRespondents who adhered to hypertension management decreased from 82.0% in 2019 to 47.8% in 2020. The likelihood of non-adherence (respondents who did not adhere to hypertension management both before and during the pandemic) increased in respondents below 55 years old, who did not own any healthcare insurance, who were not obese, and who had no other comorbidities. In the partial adherence group (respondents who did not adhere to hypertension management either before or during the pandemic), we found that most respondents adhered before the pandemic but no longer adhered during the COVID-19 pandemic. We found an increased partial adherence in young and highly educated respondents. ConclusionEfforts to improve adherence to hypertension management after the COVID-19 pandemic should target those who were young, highly educated, who did not have any healthcare insurance, and who did not perceive themselves as not having comorbidities.

PREVALENCE OF NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASE RISK FACTOR AMONG THE ADULT POPULATION OF BHARATPUR METROPOLITAN CITY, CHITWAN, NEPAL

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of disease burden worldwide. The data from Nepal indicated 6% increase in the deaths caused by non-communicable diseases from 2014 to 2018. The nationwide STEPS survey of non-communicable disease risk factor, 2019 showed high prevalence of risk factors, posing a greater threat for the NCD epidemic in future in the country. Thus, this study aims to find out the prevalence of non-communicable disease risk factors among the adult population of Bharatpur Metropolitan City in Chitwan, Nepal. Methods: A descriptive, community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 310 respondents residing in Bharatpur Metropolitan. Four wards were selected purposively and convenient sampling was used to select the sample. A semi-structured questionnaire based on WHO NCD STEPS instrument adapted to the local context, was used to collect the data. A descriptive analysis was carried out to analyze the data. Results: The prevalence of current smoking, alcohol consumption, low intake of vegetables and fruits, raised salt intake and low physical activity was found to be 18.1%, 38.7%, 94.6%, 80% and 66.5% respectively. Regarding metabolic risk factors, the prevalence of ever-raised blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol was 50%, 28.4% and 17.4% respectively. Conclusions: The study revealed a high prevalence of behavioral and metabolic risk factor which varied in the age group of 40-60 years. The findings call for population specific policy and interventions and focused actions for the behavior modification through primary prevention module and behavior change communication strategy.

The prevalence of alcohol-related deaths in autopsies performed in Lithuania between 2017 and 2020: a cross-sectional study.

Consumption of alcohol is a risk factor for non-communicable and infectious diseases, mental health problems, and can lead injuries and violence. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of alcohol-involved deaths among decedents who died of external causes and underwent autopsy in Lithuania. Study includes age persons of any age (from 0 to 110 years) who died and were autopsied in Lithuania from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2020. Data were obtained from the Lithuanian State Register of Deaths and Their Causes. Among external causes of death, the presence of alcohol was detected in 55.0% of cases. Male decedents had a significantly higher number of positive BAC level recorded, at 46.6%, compared with female decedents (32.1%; P < 0.001). The highest incidence of deaths where the alcohol was detected in the deceased's blood was found when the decedent was listed as being in the victims of assault group (71.5%, 95% CI 65.4-77.2). However, the highest median BAC score was found for those in the accidents group (59.7%, 95% CI: 58.2-61.2, BAC 2.42 ‰, IQR 1.86). The findings of this study suggest that alcohol use may be a contributing factor in a wide range of fatal incidents, including accidents, injuries, and cases of violent intent. Inequalities between males and females were identified, with a higher proportion of males with alcohol detected in blood at the time of death.

The role of robotic-assisted surgery in the management of rectal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Rectal cancer poses a significant global health burden. There is a lack of concrete evidence concerning the benefits of robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) for rectal cancer surgery as compared to laparoscopic and open techniques. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the intraoperative, postoperative, and safety outcomes of robotic surgery in this context. MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane library were searched till May 2023 for randomized and non-randomized studies comparing robotic surgery with either laparoscopic or open approach for rectal cancers. The outcomes of interest were operative time, blood loss, harvested lymph nodes, conversion rate, postoperative hospital stay, survival to hospital discharge, urinary retention rate, and anastomotic leakage rate. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to pool means and dichotomous data to derive weighted mean differences and odds ratios, respectively. A total of 56 studies were shortlisted after the study selection process with a total of 25,458 rectal cancer patients. From the intraoperative outcomes, RAS was significantly associated with an increased operative time (WMD: 41.04, P<0.00001), decreased blood loss (WMD: -24.56, P<0.00001), decreased conversion rates (OR: 0.39, P<0.00001), lesser stay at the hospital (WMD: -1.93, P<0.00001), and no difference was found in lymph nodes harvested. Similarly, RAS group had a significantly greater survival to hospital discharge (OR: 1.90, P=0.04), decreased urinary retention rate (OR: 0.59, P=0.002), and no difference was seen in anastomotic leakage rate. Robotic-assisted surgery (RAS) demonstrates favourable outcomes for rectal cancer patients, contributing to global prevention and control efforts, health promotion, and addressing non-communicable disease risk factors. Further research and public awareness are needed to optimize RAS utilization in this context.

A Comprehensive Review on Trends and Patterns of Non-communicable Disease Risk Factors in India.

This review explores the trends and patterns of non-communicable disease (NCD) risk factors in India, with a focus on tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and air pollution. Drawing upon existing literature and data, the review highlights the substantial burden imposed by NCDs and their associated risk factors on public health and healthcare systems in India. Key findings reveal the widespread prevalence of these risk factors, particularly among certain demographic groups and in urban areas. Socioeconomic disparities also play a significant role in shaping the distribution of NCD risk factors across the population. The review underscores the importance of addressing NCD risk factors through evidence-based interventions and policies tailored to the Indian context. Furthermore, it emphasizes the need for multi-sectoral collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, academia, industry partners, and communities to mitigate the NCD epidemic effectively. By mobilizing collective efforts and resources, India can make significant strides in preventing and controlling NCDs, thereby enhancing population health and well-being.

Digital Alcohol Interventions Could Be Part of the Societal Response to Harmful Consumption, but We Know Little About Their Long-Term Costs and Health Outcomes.

Alcohol consumption causes both physical and psychological harm and is a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases. Digital alcohol interventions have been found to support those looking for help by giving them tools for change. However, whether digital interventions can help tackle the long-term societal consequences of harmful alcohol consumption in a cost-effective manner has not been adequately evaluated. In this Viewpoint, we propose that studies of digital alcohol interventions rarely evaluate the consequences of wider dissemination of the intervention under study, and that when they do, they do not take advantage of modeling techniques that allow for appropriately studying consequences over a longer time horizon than the study period when the intervention is tested. We argue that to help decision-makers to prioritize resources for research and dissemination, it is important to model long-term costs and health outcomes. Further, this type of modeling gives important insights into the context in which interventions are studied and highlights where more research is required and where sufficient evidence is available. The viewpoint therefore invites the researcher not only to reflect on which interventions to study but also how to evaluate their long-term consequences.

Description of non-communicable diseases and risk factors related to lifestyle among POSBINDU (Integrated Guidance Posts) participants in Yogyakarta in 2022

Non-communicable diseases are a public health problem and are a significant cause of death both in Indonesia and worldwide. These diseases cause a complication if not appropriately managed. Indonesian basic health research (Riskesdas) 2018 found that there was an increase in cases of non-communicable diseases compared to the previous research. One of the strategies used to control non-communicable diseases is by early detection of risk factors for non-communicable diseases through Posbindu activities. This research aims to describe the health status of participants of one Posbindu in 2022. This descriptive research uses secondary data from the results of examinations in 2022. The number of participants was 1,090 people consisting of 42.11% men and 57.89% women. The age range of the participants was 26-35 years with as many as 33.67%. Participants' highest education was undergraduate with as many as 50.09% and those with married status were 73.58%. Based on the Posbindu examination results, 578 people (53.03%) had central obesity, with 332 cases among female participants (57.44%). Posbindu participants with hypertension were 182 people where 119 of them were male (65.38%). Posbindu participants with diabetes mellitus were 30 people (2.75%), with the most cases in men, 21 (70%). Non-communicable diseases can affect anyone; the older you are, the more at risk you will get. One way to prevent non-communicable diseases is to control the risk factors such as smoking, lack of physical activity, excessive consumption of sugar and salt, and less consumption of vegetables and fruit. In the coming years, it is anticipated that further exploration will be undertaken, utilizing firsthand data collection methods, presenting findings descriptively, and employing inferential analysis techniques to draw meaningful conclusions.

Behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases among South African Durban-based refugees: a cross-sectional study.

Behavioural risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are rising among refugees, increasing chronic disease prevalence that causes morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence, awareness and management of behavioural risk factors for NCDs among South African Durban-based refugees. A once-off quantitative, cross-sectional design was conducted on the behavioural risk factors for NCDs among 122 randomly selected Durban-based refugees using a modified version of the World Health Organisation (WHO) STEPwise approach to NCDs surveillance (STEPS) instrument. Participants' awareness and management of risk factors for NCDs were determined with a behavioural NCD awareness and management of behavioural NCD risk factor questionnaire. Smoking and alcohol prevalence were 4.1% and 20.7%, respectively, with 40.8% consuming fewer than five servings of fruit and/or vegetables daily. Participants performed more than 150 min of moderate physical activity per week. A significant 30.8% (p < 0.001) was aware that consuming alcohol poses an extremely large risk, similarly for smoking (38.7%; p < 0.001]. A significant 56.2% (p < 0.001) believe that regularly eating raw vegetables presents no risk, likewise for being physically active (51.7%; p < 0.001). A significant 40.6% (p < 0.001) of the participants always drink water or non-alcoholic drinks to manage their alcohol consumption, 54.2% (p < 0.001) manage their unhealthy diet by sometimes filling half their plates with fruits and vegetables, and 49.2% manage their physical activity levels by sometimes choosing a range of physical activities (p < 0.001). Refugees' lack of awareness of behavioural risk factors for NCDs highlights the importance for health service providers to present health promotion programs to make refugees aware of their behavioural NCD's risk factors and how it impacts their health.

Relation between dietary inflammatory potential and sleep features: Systematic review of observational studies

BACKGROUND: Diet and sleep represent key behavioral risk factors for major non-communicable diseases. Dietary factors may modulate systemic inflammation and potentially affect the human brain functionality, finally affecting the sleep-wake cycle. In this context, the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) has been studied as a tool to investigate the dietary inflammatory potential and its relationship with a variety of health conditions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic revision of observational studies on the inflammatory potential of the diet assessed through the DII and sleep features. METHODS: A systematic search of observational studies on DII and sleep features was conducted on Pubmed and EMBASE electronic databases. The Meta-analyses Of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines were used to plan the methodology. Studies identified through the search were selected according to inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: The systematic search and review led to the selection of 13 studies. Most studies including the general population reported an association between higher inflammatory potential of the diet and worse sleep quality and suboptimal sleep duration. Some studies also reported an association with daytime sleepiness and sleep apnea. However, some studies including younger individuals (i.e., college students or young employees) reported null findings. Four studies conducted in individuals with a variety of health conditions also showed some relation between DII and sleep features, although results were not fully consistent. CONCLUSIONS: Data published so far suggests an association between DII and sleep features. However, lack of randomized clinical trials and better designed observational studies, imply that further research on this matter is warranted to understand whether a causal relation could explain current findings.

The influence of lifestyle and dietary habits on the nutritional profile of medical students and other health sciences academics

A series of risk factors and changes in lifestyle habits tend to worsen in health students, due to the stressful routine. In addition to the requirement for dedication and performance, medical students are exposed to other harmful lifestyle habits, including poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, sleep disorders, stress, and mental disorders, as well as alcoholism and smoking. This work analyzed the lifestyle and habits related to the nutritional profile of academics in the health area, especially medical students, observing the main dysfunctional practices, their prevalence, associated conditions, and harmful consequences. An integrative literature review was carried out on the CAPES, SciELO and LILACS Journal Portal databases. It was found that medical students have high levels of overweight, ranging between 26% and 32.2%; and obesity ranging between 4% and 7.8%. Unhealthy lifestyle habits such as inadequate eating practices, sedentary lifestyle, alcoholism, and smoking are common, especially linked to long and stressful routines, in addition to easier access to medicines. The vulnerable position experienced by medical and healthcare students is evident, with a prevalence of lifestyle habits considered to be at risk for the development of obesity and risk factors for other chronic non-communicable diseases.

A Comparative Study on the Prevalence of Lifestyle Risk Factors Among Users and Non-users of Any Health-Based Mobile App Among University Students in Chennai.

Introduction Adolescents and young adults are often neglected in terms of healthcare, despite forming a significant demographic and economic force. This study aims to compare the prevalence of lifestyle risk factors among users and non-users of health-based mobile apps among university students in Chennai. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2019 to June 2019, with a sample size of 680 undergraduate college students. A standardized WHO STEPwise approach to noncommunicable disease (NCD) risk factor surveillance (WHO STEPS) questionnaire was used to collect data on sociodemographic features, behavioral risk factors, and mobile app usage, along with physical measurements like height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure. Results About 238 (35%) study participants were regularly using health-based mobile apps, and 442 (65%) were not using any health-based mobile apps, of which 540 (79.41%) were between 22 and 24 years old, with the majority being female (362, 53.2%). The prevalence of various risk factors was higher among non-users of mobile health apps, except for physical activity, which was similar in both groups. On adjusted multivariable analysis, age category, place of current stay, and unhealthy diet were found to be significant. Conclusion This study helps assess the efficacy of health-based mobile apps in promoting healthy lifestyles among university students. Health-based mobile apps for delivering effective healthcare services are to be promoted among college students for a healthy lifestyle and well-being.