Risk Factors of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) among Students of Junior College in Wardha District

ABSTRACT

Adolescents constitute around 16 % of the total global population, with an absolute number of 1.2 billion. The rapid psychosocial and sexual changes that occur during the puberty period influence every aspect of teenage life. Such changes make adolescence a unique phase in every life-course and to lay the groundwork for good adult health. Health problems and behaviour problems that arise during adolescence lead to chronic illness and alcohol abuse. Mainly the risk factors are behaviourally acquired and are due to change in lifestyle during adolescent age group. The aetiology of NCDs is multifarious and both genetic and environmental factors play a role. METHODSA cross-sectional college-based study was conducted by using a pre-structured and pre-designed questionnaire in junior colleges in Wardha district among students of 17 - 19 years age group by using the WHO STEPS questionnaires. RESULTSMales were 51 i.e. 28.5 % and females were 149 i.e. 74.5 %. In the present study, 7 males i.e. 13.72 % and 22 females 14.76 % were having work related physical activity. 13 males i.e. 25.49 % and 35 females i.e. 23.48 % were exposed to second hand smoke at home at home; 4 males and 31 females were exposed to second smoke at work place. About 44 males are underweight (BMI less than 18.5) and 78 females are the same. Only 7 males have normal weight while 62 females have average weight (BMI = 18.5 - 24.9). There were zero pre obese and obese participants among males while 7 females are pre obese and 2 females are obese. CONCLUSIONSThere was a substantial gap between groups of males and females who believe that excess salt intake is detrimental to the body. There was significant difference in waist / hip ratio of males and females. It means males have lower waist / hip ratio than females. There was significant difference in BMI categories of male and female. More males are underweight compared to females. However, more females are pre-obese and obese.