Screening Adolescents for Risk Factors for Development of Non-Communicable Diseases

Abstract

This study was done to find the prevalence of risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in school going adolescents. Secondary data analysis was done of the data collected for development of questionnaire for adolescents. The data was collected from the adolescents (10-19 years of age) attending OPD of Kalawati Saran Children's Hosp[ital, New Delhi or attending schools. The data related to NCD risk factors were analyzed and is presented here. Total 672 adolescents were included in the study. Six questions were asked on risk factors for NCDs. Nearly 2/3 adolescents are not active enough physically, only half were having fruits and vegetables in diet 5 times a week, and about a quarter were genetically predisposed for NCDs. About 10% adolescents had thoughts of ending life in the previous month and nearly half of it made at least one attempt to end life. NCDs begin during adolescence and the risk factors can be identified early. This gives an opportunity to modify risk factors to avoid or delay the NCDs in adults.