Study of risk factors for lifestyle diseases among adolescents in Western India

Lifestyle diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis, Coronary Heart disease, Type -II Diabetes mellitus are non communicable diseases leading to premature sickness, disability and death. Adolescence is a crucial period in life. This study was planned to evaluate the incidence of obesity, hypertension and under nutrition in adolescents of Pimpri- Chinchwad Corporation area near Pune, Maharashtra, India. This was a prospective cohort study based on teenage screening questionnaire and clinical examination. Total 200 adolescents including 100 boys and 100 girls, of 15 to 18 years age were included in the study. General demographic data was collected along with family history and dietary information like intake of fast food, bakery items was taken. General examination, blood pressure, anthropometric measurements were taken by using standard techniques. Health Risk Score and Body Mass Index (BMI) were calculated. Increasing BMI contributed to increase in systolic BP (p=0.000) and diastolic BP (p=0.000) Stress appeared to be significantly correlated to BMI (P=0.023) and systolic BP (p=0.009). Genetics risk factors are having significant correlation with BMI (p=0.001). Family history of hypertension has a positive correlation with systolic BP (0.045). Diastolic BP however was not significantly affected by family history. Family history of obesity has significant correlation with diastolic BP (p=0.007). Sedentary habits significantly affected systolic BP (p=0.009). Systolic BP is showing significant gender difference (p=0.041). Imparting knowledge, inculcating preventive behavior towards a healthy lifestyle could ultimately aid in the prevention of lifestyle diseases.