EPIDEMIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF LIFESTYLE ASSOCIATED MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS

Abstract

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death globally, out of 57 million global deaths in year 2008, 63%, were due to NCDs. Over 80% of cardiovascular and diabetes deaths, and almost 90% of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, occur in low-and middle-income countries. A large percentage of NCDs are preventable through the reduction of their four main behavioural risk factors: tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol and unhealthy diet. Thus, there is a need to carryout rigorously implemented surveys that estimate the risk factors of NCDs among Medical students.

Objective: This study was undertaken to estimate the Load of lifestyle associated risk factors& their correlates in apparently healthy medical students.

Materials and Methods: The cross sectional study will be carried out among students of Medical Institute in Western Uttar Pradesh, India. Student’s interview will be done through an age appropriate modified Global school based student health survey structured self-administrated questionnaire on life style associated risk factors. The statistical analysis will be done using SPSS 17- Chi-square test, t-test and ANOVA.

Result: This study documented a prevalence rate of active smoking among the study population 6.4% as against 84.2% for non-smoking. Drinking of alcohol as one of the behavioural risk factors for NCDs was also documented by this present study is 1.8% for binge drinking status and 3.8% for heavy drinking status.

Conclusion: The study shows a high prevalence of NCD related risk factors in medical students. Primary prevention may be one way to lower the risk burden of NCDs.