A Descriptive Study to Assess the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Risk Factors among Adolescents in Selected Schools of Banga, District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab

Atherosclerotic changes begin in the early ages and progress to great extent during adolescence. Physical inactivity, unhealthy habits, eating fast foods, unhealthy competition and stress make today's adolescents vulnerable to coronary artery disease. WHO in its study has recommended teaching school children about risk factors of coronary artery disease and introduction of early lifestyle modification in school curriculum by identifying risk factors among adolescents. The necessary modification in lifestyle can be introduced early. Coronary artery disease is associated with the habit and lifestyle of people. Any attempt to establish a healthy lifestyle in the population can bring about a reduction in the morbidity and mortality rate due to coronary artery disease.

Statement of problem: A Descriptive study to assess the prevalence of Cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents in selected schools of Banga, District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab.

Aim of study: The aim of the study was to study the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents (13-19 yrs) and prepare an information guide booklet on prevention of cardiovascular disorders.

Objectives :

1. To assess the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents

2. To assess the level of BMI among adolescents.

3. To assess the level of stress among adolescents.

4. To determine the association of risk factors of developing cardiovascular disorders among adolescents with selected socio-demographic variables.

5. To prepare and distribute the information guideline booklet on prevention of cardiovascular disorders among adolescents.

Method of study : The aim of the study was to study the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents (13-19 yrs) and prepare an information guide booklet on prevention of cardiovascular disorders. The present study assesses the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors among adolescents in selected schools of Banga, District Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar, Punjab. Stratified cluster sampling technique was followed to select sample. Data was collected by 3 tools Part- A comprises of socio-demographic variable profile i.e. age, gender, dietary pattern, physical activity, BMI, area of residence., life style, type of family, family history of cardiovascular diseases . Part- B comprises of Anthropometric measurement by using measuring tape, weighing machine, stadiometre, body mass index and stress and Part-C was self structured Likert scale on cardiovascular risk factors. Analysis and interpretation of study was done by applying descriptive statistics and chi square findings were represented in forms of table and graphs.

Result: The results showed that among 100 adolescents nearly equal division of adolescent in age group of 13-14 years i.e. 30% in age group of 15-16 32% and in age group 17-19 years is 38%.Majority of adolescent were male 52% and 48% were females. Regarding to BMI majority of adolescents were normal weighted. Majority of adolescents belonged to rural areas 63% and 37% belonged to urban area. Majority of adolescent were vegetarian 59% and 47% were non-vegetarian. About 17% of adolescents were underweight, 33% adolescents were normal, 28% were overweight and 19% were obese class-1 were at risk. Majority (53%) of adolescents were having mild risk and followed by (27 %) having no risk followed by those having moderate risk (13%) and least (7.0%) were having high risk of developing cardiovascular disorders .

Conclusion: With regard to association of cardiovascular risk factors with selected socio-demographic variables such as age (in years),dietary pattern, sex, BMI, area of residence, type of family, family history of cardiovascular diseases, type of family , Association of cardiovascular risk factors with Dietary pattern, BMI , life style, family history of cardiovascular diseases was found statistically significant at p<0.05.