A Descriptive Study to Assess the Risk for Cardiovascular Disease Among Adolescents in Selected Schools of Ernakulam District.

Abstract

Introduction: Many cardiovascular risk factors are adopted by adolescents without awareness of their present and long-term impacts on health. Statement of the Problem: A descriptive study to assess the risk for cardiovascular disease among adolescents in selected schools of Ernakulam District. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess the risk for cardiovascular disease among adolescents and to find the association between risk for cardiovascular disease and selected socio-demographic variables. Materials and Methods: Descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The study was carried out in Assisi Vidyaniketan Public school and St. Albert’s Higher Secondary School Ernakulam. Sample of 150 adolescent boys in the age group of 12–15 years were selected by systematic random sampling. Socio-demographic proforma, biophysiological measurements, physical activity questionnaire and adolescent dietary pattern rating scale were used to find the risk among adolescents. Results: The results of the study found that the risk for cardiovascular disease in adolescent boys based on data regarding biophysiological measurements were, 120 (80%) had mild risk, 24 (16%) had moderate risk and 6 (4%) had high risk. Based on the physical activity, 22 (14.7%) had mild risk 111 (74%) had moderate risk and 17 (11.3%) had high risk for CVD. According to the dietary pattern the risk for CVD were, 35 (23.3%) had mild risk, 114 (76%) had moderate risk and 1 (0.7%) had high risk. Out of 150 adolescents, 127 (84.7%) had two risk factors, 17 (11.3%) had three risk factors and 6 (4%) had one risk factor. There is a significant association between risk for CVD based on biophysiological measures and socioeconomic status (χ²=6.0, p=0.014). There exists a significant association between risk for CVD based on physical activity and socioeconomic status (χ²=9.32, p=0.009). Study revealed that there is a weak negative correlation (rs=–0.356) existing between biophysiological measurements with physical activity. There is a non-zero negative correlation (rs=–0.174) between biophysiological measurements and dietary pattern among adolescents. According to the data, risk increases with decreased physical activity and consumption of an unhealthy diet.